Another moorland fire takes hold

Picture courtesy of Rachael Mayor

More than two weeks on from the massive fire on Saddleworth Moor, firefighters from across Greater Manchester were again needed to tackle another grassland blaze, this time on the outskirts of Rochdale last night (Tuesday).

Large plumes of smoke could be seen billowing from the moors near Littleborough with Halifax Road being closed while crews battled the flames.

The road remains closed in both directions this morning (Wednesday), with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service still in attendance.

The fire is thought to have started at around 5pm with a number of fire engines dispatched to the scene shortly afterwards, smoke could be seen for miles around, especially near the White House Pub on Halifax Road.

In a tweet shortly after the fire was reported, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our firefighters are at the scene of another #moorland fire – this time in #Littleborough #Rochdale.

“Large quantities of smoke have led to road closures in the area around #HalifaxRoad – please avoid if you can.”

It’s the latest in a string of blazes crews across Greater Manchester are having to deal with which started with the major fire at Saddleworth Moor between Dovestone Reservoir and Buckton Vale.

The army had to be called in to help battle that one, which has been burning now for more than two weeks, however the military were stood down earlier this week.

Then Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were called into action to tackle another major blaze at Winter Hill near Bolton before another one started on the outskirts of Denton.

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