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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Damon Wilkinson

Investigation launched after several moor fires break out in Saddleworth

An investigation has been launched after several moor fires broke out in Saddleworth. Firefighters were called out to three blazes near Chew reservoir in Greenfield in the early hours of Monday.

Around the same times crews were also battling a fire at the remote Yeoman Hey Reservoir, off Holmfirth Road in Greenfield. 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 on Monday July 18.

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"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."

Fires also broke out near Dovestone Reservoir last week (Submit/GMFRS)

It comes a week after a joint police and fire service investigation was launched following a series of fires at nearby Dovestonbes reservoir which were suspected to have been started deliberately. The blazes - between Sunday, July 10 and Tuesday, July 1 2 - were near the car park at the Oldham beauty spot, police said.

There are understood to have been five incidents. Traces of accelerant have been found at three of the 'seats' - where the blazes are believe to have originated.

Speaking last week Supt Phillip Hutchinson said: "Enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible for starting these fires which could have had a devastating impact on the land, the wildlife and residents who live in the surrounding area. I ask anyone with information to share it with us as soon as possible."

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