Firefighters Continue 18-Hour Shifts as Dovestone Moorland Fire Rages On
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has issued an update as the extensive moorland blaze near Dovestone Reservoir enters its fourth day. The fire, first reported on Saturday night (July 11), has prompted a major incident declaration and drawn significant resources.
Firefighters were initially called to Dovestone Reservoir following reports of fireworks being set off in the area. Since then, the blaze has spread, sending smoke and ash across much of Greater Manchester and beyond. Health experts have advised people in affected areas to remain indoors where possible.
Major Incident Declared as 70 Firefighters Tackle Blaze
A major incident was declared on Monday afternoon, with up to 70 firefighters battling the fire. The smoke has affected large parts of Greater Manchester, including Tameside and Stockport. One M.E.N. reader in Reddish noted that her area was less smoky than before.
Elsewhere, a wildfire at Tintwistle, above Woodhead Road in Glossop, has been burning for nearly three weeks. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service also declared a major incident there, with operations expected to continue for some time.
Drones and Specialist Equipment Deployed
In an update on July 15, GMFRS reported using drones for aerial reconnaissance along with a range of appliances and specialist vehicles, including beaters and water backpacks, to prevent further spread. Incident Commander Paul Fearnhead provided an update from Swineshaw Reservoir, which has also been affected by the fires.
Fearnhead stated: "Our resources have been working from around 4am until 10pm at night each day this week since Sunday. The area is really challenging and we're working with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, game keepers, United Utilities, all working to resolve this incident and delay its spread across the moorland."
Challenging Terrain and Air Support
The fire is inaccessible other than on foot, requiring wildfire units and air capabilities. Helicopters are using reservoirs to water bomb the fire. Fearnhead noted: "We have just short of ten fire engines at this scene, deployed across the moorland, being hampered by the warm weather, smoke and wind."
The incident commander urged the public to stay away: "We are asking people to stay away. It is a small area that we are working in and the moors are very smoky. Please do not come across this area."
