Smoke from Moor Fires Blankets Region
Families across Greater Manchester have been left without clear public health advice as thick wildfire smoke spreads from moor fires at Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham and Tintwistle Moor in Glossop, according to campaigning group Mums for Lungs. The smoke has been noticeable for days, with residents keeping windows and doors closed to keep out the bonfire-like smell.
Data reveals that air quality in Stockport, several miles from the fire sites, has been worst affected. Air quality website IQ Air reports Stockport's latest reading peaked at an 'unhealthy' 154 AQI, with the area around Heaton Moor bearing the brunt. An AQI value of 0-50 represents good air quality.
Mums for Lungs Call for Action
Liz Godfrey, Greater Manchester coordinator for Mums for Lungs, said: "Families can see the smoke, they can smell it and they can taste it. Parents are understandably worried about their children breathing this air, yet there has been no obvious public health warning telling people how to protect themselves from the health effects of wildfire smoke. Why are Greater Manchester residents not being warned?"
Volunteers recorded measurements around 13 times higher than World Health Organization guidelines in Didsbury, the group says. Withington, Hulme and Chorlton have been classified as 'moderate' with scores exceeding 50 AQI, according to IQ Air, which measures six key pollutants including sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
Firefighting Efforts Continue
Huge plumes have been visible across the region as firefighters tackle the blaze in Oldham, which started on Saturday night. A major incident is ongoing, with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service warning that the fire 'remains active' and 70 firefighters at the scene. A woman was remanded into custody after being charged with arson in connection with the moorland fire.
The wildfire at Tintwistle, above Woodhead Road in Glossop, first broke out nearly three weeks ago on June 24 amid a heatwave. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service says it has burned an area the size of 350 football pitches, and firefighting operations will continue for some time.
Broader Context
The smoke comes as Greater Manchester politics enters a new era after Andy Burnham departed for Westminster. On July 30, voters will elect a new metro mayor from seven candidates, who will control a £3 billion annual budget and powers over transport, housing, education and health.
Meanwhile, residents of elevated flats on Rice Street adjacent to Castlefield Bowl enjoy prime views of the concert arena. Ex-boxer Gavin Stirrup, who has shared the ring with world champions and been a prisoner of war in Afghanistan, said of the noise: "I don't mind it! It's part of life, people enjoy the event... It's a great feeling."
Aviva Studios' warehouse space is filled with enormous artworks for Ai Weiwei's exhibition 'Button Up!', tackling imperialism, Chinese and British relations, and globalisation. The show runs until late 2026.
Weather forecast: Wednesday will be sunny again with temperatures up to 27°C. Roadworks continue on A671 Rochdale Road in Royton and A58 Gerard Street in Ashton-in-Makerfield.
