Smoke was seen for miles around on Sunday evening after a blaze broke out in a woodland near Dovestone Reservoir. As the region basked in soaring temperatures, crews were called out to another fire at the site on (July 10).
Numerous fire engines rushed to the site, to find a fire had started close to an area of dry woodland at Yeoman Hey Reservoir, near Greenfield. Clouds of smoke were pictured from miles away, and could be seen billowing over the hills late into the evening.
The cause of the blaze has not yet been confirmed by the fire service - but they have today urged people to avoid lighting barbeques or fires on moorland as crowds flock to enjoy the sun.
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During a warm spell in March this year, a new area of woodland, which had been planted by dedicated volunteers, went up in flames and was left completely scorched. An area larger than two football pitches was devastated - launching an investigation into the matter.
It follows on from a string of fires at the popular tourist site in recent years. Last April, a top fire chief issued a warning to visitors that they could be prosecuted after crews rushed to dampen yet another moorland blaze.
On Sunday night, people shared pictures of clouds of smoke billowing over the hills beside Dovestone, at Saddleworth Moor as crews continued to tackle the flames. The fire was reported at around 7pm, taking three hours to be completely put out.
The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have today (July 11) issued more advice for those visiting moorlands amid soaring temperatures. Refraining from lighting fires and BBQs, making sure cigarettes are completely put out and not leaving empty glass bottles on the grass are among the guidance given.
It comes as the Met Office issued a warning for 'extreme heat' in Greater Manchester with the region set to bake in the heatwave. Blue skies have covered the area so far today (July 11), with temperatures soaring above those seen in some popular tourist spots like Istanbul.
At around 9pm on Sunday, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 7pm this evening (10 July) firefighters were called to reports of a fire in an area of woodland close to Yeoman Hey Reservoir in Oldham. Fire crews from Oldham, Stalybridge, Ashton, and Bolton North fire stations are currently in attendance and are using hose reels and specialist wildfire equipment to tackle the fire.
“People are being advised to avoid the area to allow firefighters to carry out their work. Residents that live close to Yeoman Hey Reservoir are also being asked to keep their doors and windows shut, as there is a lot smoke in the area.”
They later confirmed the fire had been dampened by around 10pm, leaving a small area of woodland scorched. In an update on Monday (July 11), GMFRS tweeted: "As the warm weather continues, we want to remind people to act responsibly and protect the moors if you are going out to enjoy the countryside. Our message is simple, never have a fire or barbecue on the moors."
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