Exclusive drone footage and pictures as Saddleworth Moor fires take hold

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Leaders from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are set to turn to members of the military for support in tackling the huge fire which rumbles on across Saddleworth Moor.

Over the course of the last 48-hours the blaze, which started on Sunday evening, has more than doubled in size to an estimated six kilometre stretch of land, and forced a number of residents from their home in nearby Carrbrook, Tameside.

Authorities declared it a major incident during the early hours of this morning (Wednesday), with over 100 fire fighters tackling the fire from both Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and also Derbyshire Fire Service.

Almost 30 fire engines are believed to be tackling fires in seven different locations at present.

Firefighter Clive Hopkinson, the Health and Safety rep from the Fire Brigades Union for Greater Manchester Police, said: "It's virtually unprecedented on the moors at the moment, I've never seen anything like it in 18 years.

"The way they're dealing with it and the way they're prepared to go the extra yard is fantastic.

"I think we've got enough support for now and it's a shame we've had to call the military in but there have been cuts over the years, we would have liked to put this out ourselves.

"This is the first time I've heard of the military being called in, in 18 years.

"The community has been fantastic and they're happy to listen to us.

"They're giving us refreshments and the whole community has been behind us, so much so they've given us this thank you card.

"That came from a pre-school. It would be nice to see Theresa May as engaged as that.

"We need as many hands on deck as possible to hopefully put the fire out.

"It's the environment that's causing us the most trouble, the wind and the fact we haven't had rain in a while.

"But I'm sure with the attitude of the firefighters out there they will sort it out.

"They're not prepared to take a break, they want to carry on and carry on."

Meanwhile, the Chronicle has secured exclusive drone footage and pictures, showing in great detail the expanse of the fires looking over Dovestones.

The scale of the fire has been shown on a number of pictures on social media since yesterday in particular.

However, one from the University of Dundee showing the plumes of smoke can be seen from the International Space Station (below).

Dramatic footage has also been revealed today, showing how the fire has progressed over the course of the last four days (see bottom).

Speaking earlier this afternoon, Dave Keelan, from GMFRS, said: “We’ve been having conversations with our military colleagues around different strategies about using extra personal, some four-wheel drive vehicles, maybe looking at some air support but they are very early discussions to really assist us to formulate that longer term strategic plan for resolving the incident.”

Thick smoke and the smell of the fire continue to spread across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside, with the Chronicle being told of numerous people finding coatings of ash on their cars, windows and garden.

Experts from Public Health England has issued some advice to people who are breathing in the smoke.

It’s not thought the smoke is toxic, though, and Tameside Council claim there hasn’t been an increase of people going to hospital as a result of the fire.

They do advise anyone who suffers breathing problems as a result of the smoke to seek medical assistance, however.

The Saddleworth Moor fire caused four schools to close on Wednesday, including Mossley Hollins, but it’s not yet known if they will reopen again tomorrow (Thursday) and for the rest of the week.

 

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