Firefighters were called out to a large grassfire beside a Metrolink line in north Manchester on Saturday evening, just a day after the government issued a national wildfire alert.
The blaze broke out on grassland adjacent to the track close to Upper Monsall Street, near Monsall Metrolink station. Services were unaffected as the Rochdale line was already closed for track maintenance works.
Four engines sent to the scene
Four fire engines were scrambled to the large area of grassland which was ablaze just before 6pm. Crews spent 90 minutes at the scene, using hose reels and beaters to extinguish the fire.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At 5.50pm on Saturday 15 August, fire crews were called to reports of a fire near Upper Monsall Street, Manchester.
“Four fire engines from Phillips Park, Manchester Central and Broughton stations were quickly mobilised to the incident, which involved a fire covering a large area of grassland.
“Firefighters used a hose reel jet and beaters to extinguish the fire and make the area safe.
“Our crews were in attendance for about an hour and a half.”
Day after government alert
The incident comes a day after the government sent out an alert to all phones on Friday, August 15, accompanied by a loud alarm, giving the public an urgent warning of a 'very high risk of wildfires nationally'.
The message read: "There is a very high risk of wildfires nationally. Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks.
"Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire, placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk.
"Follow official updates and report signs of fire immediately by calling 999. Search gov.uk/alerts for more information."
