The Bolton News: The drone’s eye view of the fire, just off Station Road, Blackrod. Picture by GMFRS.

FIREFIGHTERS used an unmanned drone to tackle a blaze involving explosive gas cylinders.

This picture — of the potentially explosive incident in Blackrod  — was captured using the “air imagery unit” which beams live images of fires to crews on the ground, giving them a clearer view of what they are facing.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is understood to be the only fire service in the country to use a drone for tackling fires.

The unmanned unit was flown by watch manager Chris Rainford, who has a full pilot’s license to remotely fly the aircraft.

After a trial period, the drone could become an essential part of firefighting in Bolton and across Greater Manchester.

Paul Argyle, the fire service’s director of emergency response, said: “We are carrying out a three-month…