Greater Manchester residents are waking up to the sight and smell of smoke from devastating moorland fires for a third consecutive day. Major incidents have been declared as two huge wildfires continue to rage near Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham and on Tintwistle Moor near Glossop. Firefighters are battling the infernos while high winds carry plumes of smoke across the region and beyond.
Air Quality Impact and Resident Reports
New air quality maps have shown the impact of the smoke, with Stockport hardest hit on Tuesday. Over the weekend, the Manchester Evening News received reports that smoke could be smelled as far as Sale and seen billowing over the city centre, Levenshulme, and Wythenshawe. The smog has spread even further, with residents in parts of Cheshire, Stockport, Wythenshawe, and Salford complaining of the smell.
Dennis Wallis from Warrington said: “We had terrible air quality over Warrington on Sunday into Monday and last evening again had a strong smell of smoke.” Another reader, Jason Cox, added: “That's what I smelt when I woke up at 3am then, still smell it now.” Rebecca Hannan reported smelling and seeing smoke nearly 20 miles away in Wythenshawe, while Al Biebak noted smoke has been “rife in Stockport the last two days.”
Firefighting Efforts and Community Reactions
Leanne Evans from Hadfield, close to the fires, said the smoke seemed less intense this morning but she could still hear sirens. She praised firefighters for holding the blaze back, noting that “they seem to be doing well at holding it back and think that is all they can do until we get some sort of rain bomb.” Yvonne Mills commended the firefighters: “Let's give it up for our firefighters. In this heat doing what they do. Come on people let's hear it for the boys and girls trying to help us as much as they can.”
Stockport Council advised at-risk residents to keep windows closed, spend less time outdoors, and avoid strenuous exercise due to worsening air quality. The notice stated: “Wildfire smoke contains very small particles and gases that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Most healthy people will experience only temporary symptoms, but smoke can have a greater impact on babies and young children, older people, those who are pregnant, and those with existing heart or lung conditions such as asthma, COPD or heart disease.”
Origins of the Wildfires
Firefighters from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were first called to Dovestone on Saturday night (July 11). Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud bangs before the fire started, with videos of youths setting off fireworks shared on social media. A councillor said on Monday (July 13) that some of those responsible had been identified. A 20-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson and was being questioned in custody.
The incident came barely 24 hours after the tragic death of 18-year-old Karl Holland at Dovestone Reservoir, who died after getting into difficulties at the beauty spot. The wildfire at Tintwistle, above Woodhead Road in Glossop, first broke out nearly three weeks ago on June 24 during the heatwave. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident as the blaze raged on. It has burned an area the size of 350 football pitches, and officials said firefighting operations will continue for some time.
