TO mark the one year anniversary of the Winter Hill fires last summer, Lancashire Fire and Rescue is to deliver a wildlife seminar to highlight the risks of having fires in dry, open spaces.

The fire spanned 18 square kilometres and it took hundreds of firefighters 41 days to put the flames out.

The fire coincided with a prolonged heatwave; the hot, dry weather had left grass on the hill parched and the fire burned intensely and escalated rapidly.

Those involved worked long hours in extremely hot and difficult conditions.

The fire service is to perform demonstrations, bring in international speakers to discuss the dangers and impact of moorland fires.

Deputy chief fire officer, Dave Russel, said: "Our staff and partners pulled together to bring the fire to a close as quickly as possible in what were very challenging conditions.

"Following the fire we have spoken to staff, partners and other fire and rescue services to ensure we have the advanced knowledge and equipment should a fire on this scale occur again.

"We know that the public supported our efforts during those 41 days however we want to educate them on some wildfire safety advice.

"Our crews went to Darwen Tower and Rivington during the hot Easter spell to educate people however we have lots of information on our website should people need to know more.

"The support we received from United Utilities, The Woodland Trust and the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team during the Winter Hill incident was invaluable."