A JOINT investigation has been launched following a spate of moorland fires in the Ribble Valley.

Around 12 firefighters from Clitheroe were called to the scene just outside Waddington on Monday after receiving reports of a series of fires.

On arriving at the scene off Clitheroe Road shortly after 7pm, the crews found ‘a number’ of seats ablaze including one under the main radio mast for the area.

Firefighters also discovered a portable building, believed to be used for clay pigeon shooting, on fire.

The crews battled for an hour to put out the cabin fire which housed around 200 shotgun shells which didn’t contribute to the damage.

The incidents were situated near the former Moorcock Inn and police are now investigating alongside the fire service.

Firefighters used a door jam device, two breathing apparatus and a thermal imaging camera alongside an ‘aquapack’, ventilation unit and two beaters to tackle the incident.

Hyndburn fire station manager Liam Wilson, who attended the scene as the officer on call, said: “On arrival the crews discovered a number of quite significant fires on the moorland and then saw that a portacabin was on fire.

“We understand from the on-going investigation that forced entry was gained to the cabin and the fire was deliberately started.

“We don’t know if they knew that there were around 200 shotgun shells in the connecting part of the building.

“The firefighters worked very hard to make sure that they did not become part of the fire.

“If we had been five minutes later then the shotgun shells would played more of a role in the incident and would have raised the level of danger for the crews. This was quite a significant incident and the investigation is still on-going.”