Firefighters battling a large moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir in Greenfield, Oldham, have escalated their response to an 'offensive firefighting operation' as smoke continues to billow across Greater Manchester. The blaze, which broke out shortly before 8:40 PM on Saturday, July 11, has drawn a significant emergency response, with crews from across the region working in challenging terrain to contain the flames.
Fireworks Footage Under Review
Videos circulating on social media appear to show a group of youths setting off fireworks on the moorland just before the fire started. Councillor Keiron Lawrence, Reform UK representative for Ashton Hurst, confirmed that the footage is being reviewed by authorities, with some individuals already identified. In a statement, Lawrence condemned the 'reckless' behaviour, noting that while the group may have been gathering to pay respects to a friend who tragically died at the reservoir on Friday, intent does not absolve responsibility. He called for substantial fines and consequences for those responsible.
The fire comes just over 24 hours after the death of 18-year-old Karl Holland, who drowned at Dovestone Reservoir on Friday night. Tributes have described him as a 'kindhearted, beautiful boy'.
Offensive Firefighting Operation
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) issued an update on Monday morning, stating that crews have moved from a defensive stance to an offensive operation. A water supply has been established, and firefighters are using hose lines to directly attack the fire. Additional command officers and specialist wildfire personnel have been mobilised to support the response. The service described the terrain as 'challenging', with relief crews rotating through the incident to maintain operations throughout Sunday night and into Monday.
Residents reported hearing loud bangs before the fire took hold, and the resulting smoke plumes were visible for miles across the region over the weekend. GMFRS confirmed that multiple fire engines, alongside specialist wildfire officers and a Burns Team, attended the scene. Crews remain on site to extinguish hotspots, contain the fire, and monitor the area.
Community and Official Reactions
Cllr Lawrence emphasised the devastating consequences of such reckless acts, stating, 'A single reckless act can have devastating consequences for wildlife, the landscape, nearby communities, and the emergency services who have to put themselves at risk to deal with it.' He praised firefighters for their tireless work in difficult conditions and urged accountability.
The Manchester Evening News has approached Greater Manchester Police for comment on the fire. The investigation into the cause continues, with authorities reviewing the fireworks footage and identifying those involved.
