New probe launched after latest Dovestone fires

Fire damage near Dovestones this morning. Image courtesy of @oldhamfireteam on Twitter

A fresh investigation is to be launched in the wake of overnight fires near Dovestone, one of Oldham's favourite beauty spots.

A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Firefighters were called out to a number of moorland fires in the Saddleworth area in the early hours of the morning today (Monday).

"In total, eight fire engines, from across the region - as well as a Haglund Wildfire Unit - have been at Chew Reservoir, Greenfield, at various points throughout the night and morning to tackle three seats of fire on moorland.

“After being called out at 1.30am, fire crews remain at the scene and are using hose reels and beaters to control some remaining small pockets of fires.

"Three fire engines also attended a different fire at Yeoman Hey Reservoir, Greenfield just after 1am.

"Firefighters used hose reels and beaters to extinguish the fire which involved felled trees and bracken, and spent half an hour at the scene.

"Investigations into the cause of the fires will be carried out."

Meanwhile, frustrated residents living Dovestones have accused authorities of not caring about their plight citing chaotic traffic conditions and access fears to homes.

Two weeks ago, in a bid to keep visitors safe, officers from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, backed by police and United Utilities who manage the site, warned of dangers from moorland fires, illegal bbqs, and swimming in open water.

But 24 hours later on Sunday, fire crews from Oldham, Stalybridge, Ashton, and Bolton North spent three hours at nearby Yoeman Hey reservior quelling a moorland blaze. 

One long-time resident said: “It would have been nice to publicise the ‘event’ so people who live close and are directly impacted by the minority that ruin it for visitors and residents could have had an input.  

“But no doubt this will be claimed as a raging success.

“I think it’s ludicrous they hold these stakeholder days and everybody is all gung-ho about them.

“But nothing changes for residents at all - they actually don’t care.”

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