Firefighters are currently tackling a major moorland fire on Saddleworth Moor near Holmfirth Road in Oldham. The blaze broke out at around 10.25pm on Wednesday evening (12 August), prompting eight fire engines to race to the scene.
Fire spread and road closure
At its height, the fire covered an area measuring 500m by 150m. Holmfirth Road remains closed today as crews work to prevent the spread of the blaze. A road closure is in place between Dovestone and Greenfield reservoirs, with residents advised to avoid the area.
Firefighter update
A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said in a new update that firefighters remained at the scene on Thursday, damping down hotspots and preventing fire spread. One witness told the M.E.N: "Huge fire at Saddleworth Moor tonight, we saw and phoned the emergency services at 10.30pm."
Context of summer wildfires
The blaze follows major wildfires that have ravaged Greater Manchester this summer, with previous fires at Dovestone and Tintwistle damaging nearly 1,000 acres of land.
