A number of fires in the Saddleworth Moors near Dovestone Reservoir have been due to arson, police and fire say. Greater Manchester Police have sent a strong message to those who purposefully cause damage to the countryside and pose a risk to residents and emergency service workers - that they will be prosecuted.
Late last night (July 18) a fire was started in the moors by a disposable BBQ in a 'thoughtless and irresponsible' act. This was the latest in a series of fires around Dovestone Reservoir, some accidental, but some started deliberately by 'accelerants'.
The fires have been made more likely, and also much worse, due to the hot and dry conditions, with record temperatures recorded of nearly 40C over the last two days. Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue held a joint press conference today to appeal to the public to not have BBQs and be extra careful when dropping litter, especially cigarettes, that could start fires which spread rapidly. Police also vowed to catch anyone deliberately starting fires, and urged the public to come forward with any information they may have about this.
