The Met Office has issued its highest alert for fire severity over the weekend, warning there is an "exceptional" risk of blazes spreading.
The United Kingdom's national weather service has raised the Fire Severity Index to exceptional – the highest level – for much of southern England, and stretching as far west as Abergavenny in Wales, for Sunday, concerns wildfires could break out.
Winter Hill and surrounding moors were ravaged by wildfire in 2018.
Bolton currently has an amber extreme heat warning in place until Sunday as temperatures hit highs of 30C over the weekend.
Speaking to The Bolton News today, United Utilities state there are currently no restrictions in place regarding water and hosepipes but they want to again advise people to use water wisely because of the hot weather.
A United Utilities spokesperson said: “Some parts of the North West region have seen less rainfall than others, particularly the Pennine area.
"However, our major water sources in Cumbria have seen more normal levels of rainfall and we can use our regional network of water resources and water pipes to move supplies to where they are needed.
"We are not considering any restrictions on use.
"Whatever the weather, we always encourage people to use water wisely, which saves energy and money and is good for the environment.”
How to stay safe in the extreme heat
Bolton temperatures are high today at 30C with peak temperatures at 4.00 and 5.00pm.
Tomorrow the weather will also reach highs of 30C again with peak temperatures at 4.00 and 5.00pm.
The high temperatures mean there is an increased possibility of fires in the Moorlands and other health hazards.
Glyn McGann, Watch Manager at Bolton North Fire Station has given advice on how to keep safe.
He said: "First of all, don’t go swimming in the reservoirs because they are very deep and some of the areas are far away from any help.
"Don’t have BBQs on the Moors or if you do go up on the Moors and you smoke make sure it is completely extinguished because now we have a sustained period of sun the land is drying out within.
"Normally during the night you get moisture building up and that can keep things cool but now we are losing that, the ground is starting to dry out aswell.
"Its BBQ season and it’s a great time to have a BBQ but be mindful of children because a child just sees a BBQ and doesn’t register that it is hot as much as others do and also this time of year we are dressing down and wearing shorts, t-shirts so we have got less protection on us so if we did touch anything hot, it has a better chance of burning us.
(Picture by Fran Taylor)
Speaking to The Bolton News today, United Utilities state there are currently no restrictions in place regarding water and hosepipes but they want to again advise people to use water wisely because of the hot weather.
A United Utilities spokesperson said: “Some parts of the North West region have seen less rainfall than others, particularly the Pennine area.
"However, our major water sources in Cumbria have seen more normal levels of rainfall and we can use our regional network of water resources and water pipes to move supplies to where they are needed.
"We are not considering any restrictions on use.
"Whatever the weather, we always encourage people to use water wisely, which saves energy and money and is good for the environment.”
How to stay safe in the extreme heat
Bolton temperatures are high today at 30C with peak temperatures at 4.00 and 5.00pm.
"This time of year we have got our windows and doors open in our homes which could pose a security risk, so people should be mindful when they are going to bed or going out to make sure doors and windows are closed.
"People should keep themselves hydrated in the heat, I know people are going to want to have parties especially as we go through the weekend, but they need to keep themselves hydrated as well.
"A good practice for a BBQ is to have a bucket of water nearby, so if anything got out of hand you’ve got a quick way of cooling a BBQ down very quickly and immediately but you’ve also got if anybody was to be unfortunate enough to singe their fingers or get a little burn on their body.
Amber warning for extreme heat in force for Bolton as temperatures soar
"If it’s a child, a child needs to be seen by a paramedic immediately.
"There are people who can get very hot very fast, to cool your body down is called radio cooling, this is dipping your arms and wrists into cold water because that’s where your veins are exposed.
"Also your legs as well, submerging them or pouring water onto them because you have a great surface area on your legs so there is a lot of heat transferred out and cold to go in and also on the back of your neck.
"The big ones are Moorland fires, it’s easily done and they can easily get out of control, there are fire beaters on Winter Hill located along the mast road.
"The weekend is coming and it will certainly get busier at night. On Thursday night there were plenty of people up on Winter Hill, you may go there and decide to sit down and smoke a cigarette, or other things that involve heat but fire can very quickly get out of hand because of the wind up in the hills.
"It’s about keeping people cool, engines can overheat and animals at this time of year shouldn’t be left in the car and people need to remember if they are going to walk an animal how hot is the surface they are going to walk on.
"It would be safer to just not walk the animal because they can easily over heat too."
One of our Station Managers, Dave Baxter, has shared vital safety advice for Greater Manchester residents including those living in flats – please watch his video 👇#HighRise #HeatWave pic.twitter.com/Z7Sy3fx4BG
— Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) August 12, 2022
The Met Office Amber warning means adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat.
The wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat related illnesses.
Some changes in working practices and daily routines are likely to be required.
There is an increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail.
More people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes, rivers and other beauty spots leading to an increased risk of water safety and fire-related incidents.
And there may be some delays to road, rail and air travel, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays.
If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno
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