GREATER Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is urging people to be safe after a busy weekend saw crews tackling hundreds of incidents, including a huge blaze on Darwen Moor.

Firefighters attended hundreds of incidents across the weekend and, with the warm weather expected to last another few days, the public are being urged to stay safe

A number of crews from Greater Manchester also spent the weekend assisting Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service tackling a large moor fire on Darwen Moor. A number of crews from both Greater Manchester and Lancashire continue to tackle the fire today.

In total, from Friday to Sunday, GMFRS attended 453 incidents including false alarms.

Firefighters tackled a range of other incidents, including kitchen fires, rubbish fires and road traffic collisions.

Group Manager Steve Jordan said: “I would like to start by thanking all of our firefighters, staff and colleagues from North West Fire Control for their hard work this weekend.

“With the hot weather set to continue for a couple of days yet, we are urging people to make sure they are being safe. We know people are looking forward to seeing their loved ones from today but please, if you decide to have a barbecue, do not use them on moorland or balconies, never leave it unattended, concentrate on what you are doing and keep a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.

“Our crews are continuing to assist colleagues from Lancashire with a large moor fire on Darwen Moor near Bolton today. This incident shows just how easily a fire can start on the moors or in the countryside so please, if you are out walking be extremely careful. Our message could not be simpler – do not have barbecues on the moors and never start campfires as these can spread incredibly quickly, with devastating results.

“While we are dealing with large incidents such as this one, our crews are still needed to deal with a range of other incidents across Greater Manchester, so please while you are at home, be safe, especially in the kitchen and take time to read all of our safety information to keep yourself and your family safe.”