Firefighters are set to remain at the scene of two major moorland fires into next week, with crews battling blazes near Dovestone reservoir in Oldham and at Tintwistle in Derbyshire. Despite the huge emergency services response, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said people had been seen visiting Dovestone and lighting barbeques.
Public Ignoring Warnings
GMFRS stated: "Our firefighters continue to tackle two major moorland fires at Swineshaw and Dovestone. This weekend, we have already seen people visiting the area and lighting BBQs. People must stay away from affected moorland areas and must not light BBQs, campfires or any other open flames."
It is more than a week since the moorland fire began at Dovestone, while crews have been battling the Tintwistle fire for three weeks. Meanwhile, police said that two people who had been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire at Dovestone have been released on bail. A 19-year-old woman and a man in his 20s had been held.
Continued Firefighting Efforts
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said that crews are expected to remain at the scene in Tintwistle into next week. "Firefighters and partner agencies are expected to remain at the scene of the Tintwistle Moor wildfire into next week. They continue to work tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further."
Their efforts are currently focused on four key areas: Didsbury Intake, Featherbed Moss, Arnfield Moor and Crowden. The A628 Woodhead Pass remains closed so responders and vehicles can get to and from the scene safely.
Helicopters and Smoke
Two helicopters are dropping water on both the Tintwistle Moor wildfire and a separate wildfire across the border in Greater Manchester at Dovestone Reservoir and Swineshaw Moor. Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and GMFRS continue to lead their own operations while working closely together and sharing specialist resources.
The current wind direction is carrying smoke from both incidents towards Manchester. However, forecast changes in wind direction early next week could mean smoke affects more communities on the Derbyshire side of the border, including Padfield and Hadfield.
Public Advice
Residents and visitors are advised to avoid areas affected by smoke where possible. "If you live nearby, please stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed. If you must travel through an area affected by smoke, keep your windows closed and use the recirculation setting in your vehicle to reduce the amount of smoke entering from outside."
The services thanked the public for their continued support and cooperation, and reminded anyone planning to visit the High Peak this weekend to avoid the wildfire-affected areas around Tintwistle and nearby communities.
