Firefighters are working tirelessly to dampen a ferocious blaze at Dovestone Reservoir, with the operation expected to last for days. Emergency services remain at the scene near the beauty spot where a moorland fire first broke out on Saturday, July 11.
Fire Crews Respond to Wildfire
Crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) were called to the Saddleworth reservoir at around 8:45 p.m. on Saturday following reports of a wildfire. Strict 'avoid area' warnings have been implemented as smoke plumes continue to rise from the tinder-dry surface and are blown across the region.
It is feared the ongoing blaze may have been started by the careless use of fireworks. According to eyewitnesses spoken to by the Manchester Evening News, residents reported hearing 'loud bangs' prior to the fire taking hold. Video footage shared widely online appears to show fireworks being let off in the vicinity on Saturday evening.
Arrest Made in Connection with Fire
A 20-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson over the wildfire. She is being questioned in custody. The fire service declared a major incident on Monday afternoon, July 13.
Ben Levy, Head of Response for GMFRS, is leading the fire crews tasked with controlling the inferno amidst one of the hottest summers on record. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News at the scene on Monday afternoon, he detailed the strenuous operation.
Challenging Terrain and Conditions
Levy said: 'If this weather stays as it is, we'll keep our efforts to control our fire. But I predict our firefighters will be here for maybe a number of days just yet.' He added: 'You can see the terrain we've got behind us. It's not just open moorland, there's some very, very steep moorland. There's cliffs, there's steep rocks. It's very challenging to get in between there to control the fire.'
Levy explained that crews are working around the perimeter of the fire to control it and are seeking aerial assets, including helicopters. He praised the firefighters: 'Our firefighters are working incredibly hard out there. We're having to rotate our crews out. You can imagine what it's like to walk in these hills on a day like this. To be up there and working so incredibly, physically hard in such demanding conditions, carrying the equipment they're carrying. It's challenging.'
Ongoing Operation
Levy noted that there is no rain forecast, so the job is down to firefighters to help control the fire and maintain it as small as possible. The operation is expected to continue for several days as crews battle the blaze in difficult terrain and hot weather.
