Fire fighters dash to another moorland fire

PIctures courtesy of Martyn Nolan

Fire fighters are still tackling another major fire on moorland close to Saddleworth and Tameside, which is understood to have started yesterday afternoon (Sunday) but continues to rage.

It started at around 8.20pm near Dovestone Reservoir and Carrbrook, but was quickly brought under control by fire crews.

However, the fire has since restarted and massive plumes of smoke can be seen coming from the area around the moorland.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have said in a statement: “Fire crews are tackling a large wildfire on moorland in Tameside.

"Firefighters were initially called to a fire on land near to Buckton Vale at 8.19pm on Sunday, June 24.

"They worked with a local gamekeeper to extinguish the fire within a couple of hours.

"But due to the heat, the fire reignited on Monday morning (today), with the control room receiving calls at around 7.50am.”

Station Manager Dave Swallow said: “The fire currently involves two square kilometres of moorland between the Buckton Vale and Dove Stone areas.

"The land is well alight and crews are using Forced Air Firefighting Units, which are like industrial leaf blowers, and beaters to extinguish the flames.

“It’s a challenging incident for our crews due to the heat and the fact that the area involved in fire is around two miles from the nearest access point.

“Crews are expected to remain in attendance throughout the day and possibly into the evening.”

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