Emergency services are battling a significant moor fire near Dovestone Reservoir in Saddleworth this evening (July 11). Crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) were called to the scene shortly before 8:45 PM after reports of a blaze.
Eyewitness Reports and Response
Eyewitnesses told the Manchester Evening News they heard 'loud bangs' before the flames engulfed a large area of grassland at the popular beauty spot. The cause of the fire is not yet known. Authorities have advised the public to avoid the area and nearby residents to keep all windows and doors closed.
Images from the scene show the scale of the blaze, with huge plumes of smoke visible for miles across Oldham and large patches of flames on grassland above the reservoir. Fire engines from Mossley, Stalybridge, Hyde, Bolton North, and Littleborough attended, supported by specialist wildfire units and officers.
Firefighting Efforts
A GMFRS spokesperson said: “At just before 8.45pm this evening (Saturday 11 July), fire crews were called to reports of a fire in open moorland near Dovestones Reservoir, Greenfield. Five fire engines from Mossley, Stalybridge, Hyde, Bolton North, Littleborough, supported by specialist wildfire units and officers, quickly attended the scene. Crews located a grass fire and used beaters and backpack water units to tackle the blaze. Firefighters remain at the scene working to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread.”
Recent Tragedy at Same Location
The incident comes less than 24 hours after the tragic death of an 18-year-old teenager, Karl Holland, at Dovestone Reservoir on Friday night (July 10). He was pronounced dead after getting into difficulties in the water. Tributes have been paid to a 'kindhearted, beautiful boy'. Greater Manchester Police said detectives are conducting 'extensive enquiries' and stressed the dangers of open water following a series of tragedies during recent heatwaves.
