A 20-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the Dovestone wildfire, the Manchester Evening News understands. Detectives detained the woman in Oldham on Monday morning, and she remains in custody for questioning.
Firefighting Efforts Continue
Firefighters are continuing to battle the massive blaze on the moors above Saddleworth. In a statement on Monday morning, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said crews had moved into an offensive firefighting operation using hose lines to tackle the fire. The service added that throughout Sunday and overnight, firefighters worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading, with relief crews rotating through the incident. Additional command officers and specialist wildfire personnel have been mobilised to support the response, and crews remain at the scene extinguishing hotspots and monitoring the area.
Witness Accounts and Fireworks
Eye-witnesses told the Manchester Evening News they heard several loud bangs before the fire broke out on Saturday night. Multiple video clips and images posted to social media show a group of youths setting off fireworks at the beauty spot in Greenfield. One firework appears to ignite dry grasses, with bystanders then seen running to the smoking area. Another video recorded shortly afterwards shows flames rapidly spreading across a hillside.
It is understood the youths had gathered in tribute to 18-year-old Karl Holland, who tragically died on Friday night after getting into difficulties in the water at Dovestone Reservoir. Following his death, friends paid tribute to a 'kindhearted, beautiful boy'.
Impact on Greater Manchester
A huge plume of smoke from the fire can be seen for miles around, with falling ash and the smell of smoke reported across Greater Manchester. The fire service continues to urge the public to avoid the area and not to use drones, which can hinder firefighting aircraft.
