The major wildfire on the moors above Dovestones reservoir continued for a fourth consecutive day on Tuesday (July 14), with residents across Greater Manchester told once again to 'stay indoors'. The huge fire, which started on Saturday night (July 11) and prompted a major incident to be declared, 'remains active' but is now in a 'steady state', the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed as they continued to work at the scene.
Firefighting Efforts and Smoke Impact
More than 70 firefighters, 15 engines and wildfire units remained in attendance near Greenfield, Oldham on Tuesday night with major efforts still ongoing to contain the area and prevent further spread. A large plume continued to blow over parts of Greater Manchester, with residents across the region once again complaining of the strong smell of smoke and difficulty with breathing in some areas. Smog has continued to mask parts of the region, with the smoke blown over large swathes of Greater Manchester on Sunday, with the smell prominent in areas as far as Eccles as well as Stockport and Sale.
In an update on Tuesday night, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said people in the area surrounding the fire would continue to experience smoke, worsened by a separate wildfire on Tintwistle Moor nearby, and that it could continue to spread for miles. In areas with visible smoke, residents were once again urged to 'stay indoors' and also keep their windows and doors closed where possible, despite soaring temperatures nearing 30C again on Tuesday.
Official Statements and Public Advice
"For the fourth consecutive day, crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are tackling the moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir," the latest statement read. "More than 70 firefighters, 15 fire engines and four specialist wildfire units from across Greater Manchester are at the scene. Our crews are working hard in challenging conditions to contain the fire." The statement added: "People in the surrounding area may continue to experience smoke from the wildfire, with a separate wildfire at nearby Tintwistle Moor contributing to a large plume of smoke that has affected parts of Greater Manchester today. If there is visible smoke, stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed where necessary."
Members of the public are urged not to travel to the Dovestone area and areas affected by smoke from the wildfire. Road closures remain in place to allow emergency services and partner agencies to carry out their essential work. The fire service confirmed that the blaze was in a 'steady state' and that efforts were ongoing to contain it in 'challenging conditions'.
Health Warnings and Air Quality
New air quality maps have since shown the impact of the smoke billowing from the flames - with Stockport hardest hit on Tuesday. According to comments from Greater Manchester residents online, the smog had spread even further afield with those living in parts of Cheshire, Stockport, Wythenshawe and Salford complaining of the smell. The scale of the incident also prompted health experts to issue warnings. Young children, elderly people and those with underlying respiratory conditions continue to be advised to limit exposure to the smoke as much as possible - but even healthy adults have also been cautioned against exercising outside.
Matt Swallow, a GP specialising in respiratory medicine who is the clinical lead at the Asthma and Lung charity, told the M.E.N that it was 'sensible' to avoid exercising outdoors in these conditions. "Wildfire smoke has lots of fine particles in it, which can traveller deeper into the lungs and cause irritation and inflammation," he said. Matt also added that even those living further afield should take precautions. He went on: "If you can see it, or smell it, you are breathing it in. People within a couple of miles will have the highest exposure, but these particles can travel hundreds of miles. You can't just judge it by distance. If smoke levels are elevated, try and avoid it as much as possible, and stay inside."
Police Investigation and Arson Charge
A police investigation into the cause of the fire, now raging on for four days remains ongoing. It comes as 20-year-old Shania Care-Slede appeared in court on Tuesday morning. She was charged with one count of arson, while being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and one count of dangerous driving. Ms Care-Slede, of Market Street, Hyde, was not asked to enter pleas to the charges and is next due to appear in court for a plea hearing on August 18. She was remanded in custody.
Officers from GMP say they are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry and are seeking to identify any other individuals who may have been involved. Detectives are reviewing video footage that has been submitted to the force. Detective Inspector Andrew Day said: "While we have secured charges against one individual, our investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are carefully reviewing all available evidence to identify anyone else who may have been involved in criminality linked to this incident. We're committed to pursuing all those responsible. I would also like to thank the public for the support they have shown so far and encourage anyone with information or footage that may assist our enquiries to come forward." Anyone with footage or information that may assist the investigation can submit it via the Dovestones Fire Evidence Submission Portal.
