Firefighters continue to battle a wildfire on the moorland near Dovestone reservoir in Saddleworth, which has been burning since Saturday evening (July 11). A 20-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson and remains in custody, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed on Monday.
Fireworks Blamed for Blaze
Residents reported hearing loud bangs—initially mistaken for gunshots—shortly before fire crews arrived at 8:45pm on Saturday. Witnesses described seeing fireworks lighting up the sky in what one onlooker called a 'Universal Studios style display.' Social media footage shows a young woman holding a rocket launcher as a firework explodes, followed by flames spreading across dry grass on the hillside.
Locals believe the fireworks were set off in tribute to Karl Holland, an 18-year-old who died after getting into difficulties in the reservoir on Friday night (June 10). His body was recovered later that day.
Arrest and Investigation
Detective Inspector Andrew Day from GMP's Oldham CID said: "We are aware of social media posts circulating regarding this incident and would like to stress that this is a live police investigation. We would encourage people to stop speculating regarding this and if you do have information, please report it to ourselves."
Councillor Jake Frater, who represents Dukinfield and Stalybridge, provided a dossier of over 40 pieces of evidence to police, including videos and photographs. He said: "I'm sick of seeing the same destruction every summer, with wildlife and habitats devastated, public money spent on repairs, and residents forced to keep their windows shut during hot weather because smoke is affecting their health."
Local Anger and Frustration
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It's crazy. Absolutely baffling. I cannot even begin to fathom or understand it. There are signs everywhere saying 'no fireworks.' What part of that don't they understand?" Another neighbour described the firework display as an 'audition for Dante's Inferno' and called for a park ranger to be introduced in the area.
Rob, a local from Greenfield, said: "It's mental. Just stupid. I know what they were trying to achieve, but I'm not sure what they expected to happen with the conditions tinder-dry like this." He added that recurring fires are becoming a big frustration for locals.
A woman living in the village said: "It's very sad for those who lost their friend, but those who let off the fireworks had obviously not thought about what they were doing." She noted that residents are facing 'constant sirens and smoke' and feel like they are 'getting used to it' as such fires have become more frequent in the last five years.
Fire Service Response
Ben Levy, Head of Response for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue (GMFRS), said: "Our priority now is bringing this fire under control and the safety of our firefighters." He acknowledged that wildfires are a 'problem' and 'nuisance' for locals, and confirmed that the cause of the fire is under investigation. He added: "Fireworks on dry moors are as much of a no-no as barbecues and small fires in the open."
Firefighters have been working in tinder-dry, sweltering conditions with strong winds complicating efforts. Saddleworth Neighbourhood Sergeant Andy Holian praised the emergency services, saying: "Firefighters have been working tirelessly in extremely challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread. They are putting themselves at risk to protect our communities, the environment and local wildlife, and they deserve our utmost respect and support."
