New restrictions have been introduced at Dovestone Reservoir as a wildfire continues to burn on the moorland. The large fire, near Greenfield in Oldham, has been raging since Saturday, July 11. It remains a major incident as Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) also battles a wildfire at Swineshaw.
Firefighters are dealing with hotspots in 'dry and challenging conditions'. Oldham Council has now closed all access to Dovestone Reservoir to the public. Temporary traffic restrictions are also in place, with access only for emergency services and residents.
Council statement on restrictions
In a social media post on Wednesday evening, Oldham Council said: "Due to the ongoing major incident at Dovestone Reservoir, temporary traffic restrictions are now in place to help emergency services respond safely. Access to Dovestone is closed to the public. Access is only permitted for emergency services and residents."
The council added: "Please do not drive to the area or park on surrounding roads or in the car park, as this could block access for emergency vehicles and specialist machinery. Public rights of way in the affected area are also closed until 31 August."
Fire service update
In its latest update on July 27, GMFRS said: "Dovestone and Swineshaw remain a major incident. We are now in a prolonged consolidation and containment phase, with crews and partners continuing to monitor and deal with hotspots while conditions remain dry and challenging."
The service noted that rain has not been sufficient to change the situation significantly, and urged the public to stay away from affected areas, keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles, and avoid using BBQs, campfires, fireworks or any naked flames on or near moorland.
The fire at Dovestone had previously sent large plumes of smoke across Greater Manchester. Another major incident on Tintwistle Moor, near Glossop, has also generated large smoke plumes.
Tintwistle Moor progress
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews were 'making progress' on the Tintwistle fire. In an update on Wednesday, the service stated: "Firefighters, partner agencies and support teams have once again worked tirelessly throughout today in challenging conditions to move the incident closer towards a safe conclusion."
The service reported significant progress in the Featherbed Moss sector, where crews laid more than two kilometres of hose across difficult terrain, including a climb of approximately 600 metres. All four sectors of the incident remain active, with no visible naked flames, but crews continue hotspotting operations to identify deep-seated heat pockets.
The A628 Woodhead Pass remains closed and will stay shut until at least 5pm tomorrow pending a tree safety assessment.
