Air Quality Data Reveals Widespread Impact of Moor Fires
The latest air quality data has revealed the ongoing effect of the moorland fires across Greater Manchester, with certain areas still classed as unhealthy for sensitive groups. Two major incidents have been declared at Dovestone and Swineshaw Reservoir in Greenfield, Oldham, and at Tintwistle Moor near Glossop. Dozens of firefighters remain at both scenes as smoke continues to billow into the air.
On Wednesday, Paul Fearnhead, Incident Commander at the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), described the area near Dovestone as 'really, really challenging' as the 'extensive wildfire' continued. He said: 'Currently we have around just short of ten fire engines, including our wildfire capabilities at this scene and they’re deployed across the moorlands in this warm weather, which is being hampered by smoke and wind.' He urged the public to stay away, noting that the moors are 'very smoky.'
Air Quality Index Readings Across the Region
New maps from Thursday morning (July 16) show a general improvement in air quality across Greater Manchester, with no areas classed as unhealthy. However, all areas are classed as having at least 'moderate' air quality. Stockport and Ashton-under-Lyne rank the worst, with air quality stated as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups.' According to the IQ Air website, an AQI value between 101 and 150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups, and 'the general public and sensitive individuals in particular are at risk to experience irritation and respiratory problems.' Ashton-under-Lyne recorded an AQI of 132, surpassing Stockport in poor air quality.
The website recommends that 'the general public should greatly reduce outdoor exertion. Sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor activity and should take care to wear a pollution mask outdoors. Ventilation is discouraged. Air purifiers should be turned on if indoor air quality is unhealthy.' The Air Quality Index measures six key pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
Health Experts Urge Caution for Vulnerable Groups
Health experts have issued urgent warnings to people living in areas affected by wildfire smoke. Young children, elderly people, and those with underlying respiratory conditions are advised to limit exposure. Even healthy adults have been cautioned against exercising outside. Matt Swallow, a GP specialising in respiratory medicine and clinical lead at the Asthma and Lung charity, told the M.E.N: 'Wildfire smoke has lots of fine particles in it, which can travel deeper into the lungs and cause irritation and inflammation. When exercising, you are breathing in even more. If there is visible smoke and a strong smell, moving exercise indoors is the safer option, or avoiding it altogether.'
'For healthy adults, it will just cause short-term effects, but those who are really young or old, or who have asthma or COPD, are at greater risk,' he added. 'My advice is to continue taking prescribed medication. Bring it with you at all times, and reduce outdoor exposure. You might need your medication more frequently than you usually would - if you notice that it is no longer having the same effect, seek medical advice.'
Residents Urged to Stay Indoors
Residents living near both Dovestone and Tintwistle have been urged to keep their windows and doors closed. The fires are sending huge plumes of smoke across the region and beyond, with air quality maps showing the ongoing impact. On Wednesday, only the Shaw area of Oldham was classed as having 'good' air quality with an AQI value of 50, while all other areas were moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, or unhealthy.
