Fire services tackling huge moor fires in and around Greater Manchester say they are continuing to make progress.
Containment phase underway
Crews have been tackling the fire near Dovestone Reservoir, in Greenfield, Oldham, since last Saturday, with a nearby area of moorland at Swineshaw also alight. The operation to contain another moorland blaze at Tintwistle is also continuing, forcing the closure of the A628 Woodhead Pass until next week.
In an update issued this evening (Thursday), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) who are dealing with the blazes at Dovestone and Swineshaw, said crews 'continue to make steady progress.'
In an updated statement they said: "The response has moved on this week from intensive firefighting to a longer-term containment phase, with crews focusing on extinguishing hotspots and preventing further spread."
"New fire breaks have been created across parts of the moorland and additional equipment is helping crews get water to some of the most remote areas of the incident ground."
Scale of the damage
GMFRS revealed earlier this week that the operation would last until the weekend at least. In a video update from Higher Swineshaw this afternoon, GMFRS' Head of Response Ben Levy said land equivalent to 1,250 football pitches had been burnt.
"The knock-on effect of these fires is intense," he said. "If you live in our local communities across Greater Manchester, you will have smelt smoke for the past week or more."
GMFRS said residents were advised to 'avoid the smokiest areas where possible and keep doors and windows closed if smoke is affecting their home.'
"If travelling through affected areas, keep vehicle windows closed and the public can continue to support firefighters by staying away from the affected areas, keeping access routes clear and avoiding any activities that could start further fires, for example using disposable BBQs and starting campfires," they added.
Progress at Tintwistle
Meanwhile Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, who are leading the response to the Tintwistle fire, said 'significant progress' had been made there and they working to 'bring this major incident to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible.'
They said Arnfield was the only of four distinct sectors where there was still active firefighting. Crews are damping down around Didsbury Inake, Featherbed Moss and Crowden, the 'main seat of the fire.'
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Clive Stanbrook said: “Around 65 firefighters from Derbyshire and across the UK, supported by partner organisations including the Fire Operations Group, are actively supporting the response to the Tintwistle Moor wildfire, with many more being rotated and mobilised when required.
“Thanks to their hard work, and the support of many colleagues behind the scenes, significant progress has been made. However, this remains a complex and challenging incident.
“On behalf of Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and all responders, I would like to thank the communities of Derbyshire, including local residents, visitors and businesses, for their continued patience and support, particularly around the necessary closure of the A628 while emergency services and partners respond to the fire.”
