Smoke inhalation advice issued for those affected by moors fires

Many areas have been affected by smoke and ash drifting down from Saddleworth Moor

As the fire continues to rage on Saddleworth Moor, health bosses have issued advice to people who may have been suffering as a result of the smoke and the smell being generated by the flames.

It’s now been more than four days since the fire, which some are calling the ‘biggest in living memory’ started high above the moors, with fire crews - alongside military help - set to tackle numerous pockets of flames over the course of today (Thursday).

However, with the fire has come a massive amount of smoke and a smell which appears to be lingering across the region.

People in and around the scene in Stalybridge, Mossley and Carrbrook have been given masks to cover their faces while the Chronicle has been hearing from people further afield in Oldham and Tameside who say they’ve seen ash falling from the sky.

They’ve also reported being able to smell the fire and have seen ash covering their cars, gardens and windows.

Public Health England have responded by offering a number of bits of advice to people, including “keep your doors and windows closed and draw curtains.”

They’ve also urged people to drink lots of “cool drinks” to help them stay hydrated and anyone with “heart or lung diseases such as asthma should ensure access to their medication and seek medical advice if their symptoms worsen.”

So far there haven’t been any reports of anyone suffering any reactions to the smoke, fire or smell.

However, emergency services are on standby should that situation change.

It’s now understood that the fire covers more than seven square miles of moorland with around 100 British troops being drafted in along with an RAF Chinook Helicopter to assist fire fighters tackle the blaze and bring it under control.

The helicopter will be used to transport equipment to the hardest to reach places and will be able to collect greater amounts of water from the many reservoirs surrounding the blaze.