Manchester moorland fire declared major incident

More than 30 homes evacuated as
firefighters battle to control the blaze

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GMP tweeted: “We are in contact with the Army and they are on
standby to help if we need them.”

Firefighters worked “flat out” to stop the blaze last night and
had been hopeful of getting it under control by this
morning, The Guardian reports. Although they made
good progress, GMP were forced to initiate evacuations near
Stalybridge late last night.

“Crews are still tackling this difficult fire and are working
hard to contain the blaze and prevent further fire spread, Phil
Nelson, from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service,
said. “Firefighters are faced with very difficult
circumstances, intense heat and are working on challenging
terrain.” 

According to the BBC, “the fire began on Sunday night, was
reignited on Monday during the hot weather and then spread
throughout Tuesday, fanned by evening winds.” 

Health officials issued advice to residents in the
Tameside area to stay inside and keep doors and windows closed in
order to deal with the smoke coming from the moor.

Dozens of firefighters also fought a fire raging across moorland
in Rivington, Lancashire. The region’s deputy chief fire officer,
Justin Johnston, said: “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.”