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Hot Weather Causes Huge Wildfires To Break Out Near Manchester

Hot Weather Causes Huge Wildfires To Break Out Near Manchester

If you're in the area, keep your windows closed

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

Firefighters are currently trying to tackle a huge blaze that has started on the Pennine moors near Manchester.

Manchester's fire services were called to the huge moorland fire near Buckton Vale and Carbrook, not far from Stalybridge, last night at around 8:30pm.

The Wild Fires Unit managed to tackle it yesterday evening, but the blaze restarted this morning at about 7:50am as a result of the heat.

Residents who live near the area, particularly near Stalybridge and Dovestones, where the fire is, have been asked to keep their windows closed. This is because of 'a significant area of low lying smoke' in the immediate vicinity of the fire.

A statement reads: "Crews are making good progress this morning and are managing to get a hold on the fire.

"There is a concern about the amount of low lying smoke which is affecting local areas, namely Carbrook, Greenfield and parts of Saddleworth, along with Stalybridge.

"Due to the weather conditions and there being a lack of wind, the smoke has settled so it is important for residents to keep doors and windows closed where there is any visible smoke."

They also said that the fire has 'devastated' an area near to Buckton Hill. There are currently two fire engines and two wildfire units at the location trying to fight the fire.

An earlier statement from Station Manager Dave Swallow said: "The fire currently involves two square kilometres of moorland between the Buckton Vale and Dovestones areas. The land is well alight and crews are using Forced Air Firefighting Units, which are like industrial leaf blowers, water spray backpacks, small diameter hoses and beaters to extinguish the flames.

"It's a challenging incident for our crews due to the heat and the fact that the area involved in fire is around two miles from the nearest access point. We are having to get in extra fire engines to set up a water relay system from Dovestones Reservoir."

YouTube/@K_J_Dave

It is not the only significant moorland fire taking place in the area at the moment. A large area of wildfire also broke out at Rivington Pike yesterday.

Lancashire's Deputy Fire Officer, Justin Johnston, said last night: "We currently have seven fire engines and approx. 35 firefighters fighting wildfires above Rivington. It's very dry on the moors so please take care.

"We've been aware that this might occur given the long dry spell. Fortunately crews are well trained and well equipped with special wildfire procedures.

"Please take extra care while this beautiful weather continues."

Featured Image Credit: @K_J_Dave

Topics: Weather, UK News, heatwave, Fire, Manchester, UK

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