Fire chiefs have issued updates on two huge wildfires on the moors above Greater Manchester as major incidents continue. Rain fell over the region for the first time in weeks on Sunday but the fires at Dovestone and Swineshaw and on Tintwistle Moor are continuing to burn.
Dovestone and Swineshaw Fire
The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said in an update on Monday that the response to the blaze at Dovestone and Swineshaw has now moved to a 'prolonged and consolidation' phase as conditions 'remain dry and challenging'. The fire, near Greenfield in Oldham, has been burning since Saturday, July 11. The force said it remains a major incident as crews 'monitor and deal with hotspots'.
"The rain so far has not been enough to significantly change the position, so the public ask remains critical: please stay away from affected areas, do not travel to the moorland to view the incident, keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles and partner agencies, follow health advice, and do not use BBQs, campfires, fireworks or any naked flames on or near moorland", GMFRS said in an updated statement. "Staying away helps keep people safe, protects access for fire crews and partner agencies, and reduces the risk of further ignition or disruption while work continues to bring the incident under control. For anyone wondering why closures and restrictions remain in place: although the visible fire activity may appear reduced, partners are still dealing with a major incident and moorland fires can continue to present risk even during this stage."
Tintwistle Moor Fire
The blaze is also continuing to rage on at Tintwistle Moor after weeks of firefighting operations. The area covered by both fires is said to be equivalent to 1,250 football pitches. The Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) said in an update on Monday that firefighting efforts had resumed following the period of heavy rainfall on Sunday. "While this has provided some welcome assistance to crews by helping to dampen vegetation and reduce fire activity in some locations, supporting the significant progress already made by firefighters and partner agencies, work continues to fully extinguish the fire", DFRS said.
A huge response is continuing on the scene with members of the Fire Operations Group (FOG) and firefighters from across the UK deployed through National Resilience arrangements. "This remains a major incident due to the scale, terrain and complexity of the wildfire", the fire service added. "As highlighted in previous updates, the affected area across Tintwistle Moor and the adjacent wildfire being managed by colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is estimated to cover the equivalent of approximately 1,250 football pitches, underlining the significant and ongoing nature of the response."
Road Closure
The A628 Woodhead Pass remains shut in both directions due to the wildfire at Tintwistle. National Highways said it is expected to remain closed until at least tomorrow (July 28). National Highways said: "The A628 remains closed at the request of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service to allow emergency services to continue firefighting operations safely. The closure is expected to remain in place until at least Wednesday 29th July 2026, although this is subject to operational progress."
