For the fourth time in less than 24 hours, fire crews have been called to incidents involving fires in the open.

At around 5.10pm on Tuesday crews received reports that part of the moorland close to Darwen Tower was on fire.

Around 50 firefighters are working to extinguish the fire which officials say is approximately 400 metres by 100 metres.

Lancashire Telegraph: Scorch marks are visible on the moors, with the fire stopping just short of the nature reserve. Pic: Lancashire Telegraph Scorch marks are visible on the moors, with the fire stopping just short of the nature reserve. Pic: Lancashire Telegraph

A spokesperson for the brigade said: "We are working with United Utilities and the police to make the scene safe and establish the cause of the fire.

"No injuries have been reported."

Pictures from the police's tactical operations unit drone team were posted on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, giving an aerial infra-red view of the blaze.

A spokesperson for the Tac Ops Division said: "Lancs Drone working with the fire and rescue service drone to tackle the latest moorland fire near Darwen Tower, giving eyes to the commanders on the ground and assisting with the direction and damping down of the fire."

As of 6.30pm on Tuesday, police and fire crews remained at the scene and people were being asked to avoid the area.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "There is a fire ongoing off Sunnyhurst Lane, Darwen.

"We were called at 5.10pm and we have eight fire engines at the scene.

"Firefighters are trying to use a path to stop the fire spreading any further."

Chief Fire Officer Justin Johnston said: "We currently have eight fire engines and almost 50 Firefighters in attendance.

"We really don’t need this during coronavirus lockdown.

"In my experience this will be a deliberate fire or careless use of a BBQ.

"Please help us to help you. Stay Home Save Lives."

The incidents come only days after Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service published a statement on the increase in 'deliberate' fire starting across the county.

The statement read: "There has been a recent increase in fires thought to have been started deliberately across the county over recent days and sadly we know that as a service we are not alone in seeing this trend."

On Monday evening, two fire engines from Clitheroe station were called to a fire involving two separate piles of rubbish just off the A59 close to the McDonalds.

The fires were reported at around 9.58pm and firefighters remained at the scene until 11.40pm.

Lancashire Telegraph: Smoke from the fire can be seen from the town. Pic: Lancashire Telegraph Smoke from the fire can be seen from the town. Pic: Lancashire Telegraph

Earlier on Monday morning, at around 4.30am, four fire crews from Clitheroe, Padiham and Hyndburn were called to a barn fire on Heron Mews in Clitheroe.

Despite no injuries reported, an investigation into the cause of the fire was launched and crews remained at the incident well into mid-morning.

A fire service spokesperson said: "At 10.30am on Monday, two fire engines remained at the scene to rake out the hay and straw which was still smouldering."

Meanwhile, crews from Padiham and Bacup were called to a large grass fire close to Crown Point in Burnley on Monday afternoon, which took them a good few hours to extinguish.

On Tuesday evening a spokesperson for Padiham fire station said: "Yesterday we attended our first Wildfire of the season.

"Lots of people walking in the area and stopping to take photos.

"Whilst we appreciate you might want to watch us, please remember the importance of staying out of the smoke plume and abide by social distancing."

Group Manager Shaun Walton, who is also the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Wildfire Group Deputy Chair and Wildfire Tactical Advisor Lead Officer said: “It is vitally important that we all take proactive and responsible steps to reduce the likelihood of wildfires starting.

“We find ourselves in an ever changing, challenging and unprecedented time and we’re urging landowners and managers to exercise caution when considering controlled burns and only carry out burns if they are essential."

Lancashire Telegraph: Darwen moors are on fire. Pic: Lancashire TelegraphDarwen moors are on fire. Pic: Lancashire Telegraph

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is working hard to ensure they are able to support the people of Lancashire with effective incident response and support for the most vulnerable during the coronavirus outbreak and are urging caution to members of the public too.

GM Walton went on to say: “Having the support of both the public, landowners and managers at this time will undoubtedly help us deal with the additional pressures we’re facing as a result of the coronavirus outbreak and maintain some vital resilience.

“We are continuing to work with partners investigating these fires and would encourage anyone with any information to come forward and speak to the Police.

"In the meantime, we ask that people do as required in this national emergency and stay at home."