Firefighters tackling a "rapidly developing, aggressive fire" which is ravaging moorland across the northern English county of Lancashire say they are launching a "large-scale attack" against the blaze.
Crews are now battling a major incident which was declared on Saturday after two large-scale moorland fires merged due to increasing wind speed.
Greater Manchester Police said fires on Winter Hill and Scout Road near Bolton have merged, with pedestrians and motorists urged to stay away from the scene.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service say helicopters are being brought in to try and get water on to areas of smouldering hot spots.
It is part of firefighting efforts which have been bolstered since 4.30am local time "in order to mount a large-scale attack on the fire fronts", according to a spokesman.
He said: "Offensive firefighting is focusing on getting water onto nearby woodland to ensure any flame flare-ups don't spread to that area and we have been working with partners to secure the road and infrastructure up on the top of the hill at the mast sites."
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said it had 28 fire engines tackling the moorland fires.
The first - on Saddleworth Moor - started last Sunday amid Britain's current heatwave and has devastated surrounding land around Carrbrook.
Assistant chief fire officer Dave Keelan said: "This is an exceptionally challenging time and I am proud of the hard work and brave commitment of our firefighters."
But Lancashire Police said it has had to deal with "reckless and dangerous" behaviour by members of the public which is hampering emergency efforts.
Some people, determined to get shots of the fire on their mobile phones, have blocked access roads for emergency vehicles by driving to the scene, while others have been flying drones over the moorland.
