An underground fire that has been smouldering for more than a year has started to spread.
The sub-surface blaze at the Leigh Reclamation Land Holding, known locally as Queensway tip, broke out in March of last year.
It has continued to burn ever since despite being monitored by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and Wigan Council.
Last August, council bosses said the fire 'posed no imminent danger if left well alone'.
Fences were erected around the site, between Queensway and Green Lane, near to the Higher Folds estate, in Leigh, to protect residents.
Meanwhile, firefighters used drones to assess the blaze and carry out safety checks at the site.
But, in an update posted on Wigan Council's Facebook page today, GMFRS station manager Chris Evans said analysis of thermal imaging cameras showed the fire had spread to a nearby BMX track.
He added: "About eight months ago, we came to visit the site to make a video with our partners from Wigan Council and also to do an overflight of the site using our specialist drone with a thermal imaging camera.
"The footage from that was overlayed with the new footage from today and what it does is suggest is there has been significant footprint creep, which would suggest that the fire has spread now and is impinging on the BMX track.
"Evidence would show that this is true. We've got trees that have fallen and you've got smoke from the scene behind us as well."
Wigan Council said it would continue to monitor the site.
In the meantime, people are being urged to keep away from the area for their own safety.
