Dovestone Moor Fire Rages: Arson Suspect Charged Amid Red Alerts and Widespread Smoke

Greater Manchester is currently battling two significant moorland wildfires, one near Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham and another on Tintwistle Moor near Glossop, which have cast a thick pall of smoke over the region and beyond. These blazes have prompted major incident declarations by both Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, as firefighters work tirelessly amidst ongoing hot weather conditions.

The fire at Dovestone Reservoir, located in Saddleworth near Greenfield, Oldham, first ignited on Saturday night, July 11. By Monday afternoon, a major incident was declared as crews struggled to contain the inferno. As of Tuesday, July 14, GMFRS reported that the fire remained active but was in a "steady state," with approximately 70 firefighters, 11 fire engines, and four specialist wildfire units engaged in containing hotspots and preventing further spread. Initial reports from eyewitnesses, including videos shared on social media, suggest the fire may have been caused by youths setting off fireworks, possibly as a tribute to Karl Holland, an 18-year-old who tragically died at the reservoir recently. Police have since confirmed that 20-year-old Shania Care-Slede, of Market Street, Hyde, has been charged with aggravated arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and dangerous driving. She was remanded into custody after appearing at Manchester Magistrates' Court on July 14, with her case transferred to Minshull Street Crown Court for a plea hearing on August 18. Greater Manchester Police's investigation is ongoing, with detectives meticulously reviewing public footage and seeking to identify any other individuals involved. A dedicated Dovestones Fire Evidence Submission Portal has been established for public assistance.

Concurrently, the wildfire on Tintwistle Moor, situated above Woodhead Road in Glossop, erupted almost three weeks prior, on June 24, during an earlier heatwave. This extensive blaze has already consumed an area equivalent to 350 football pitches, and officials anticipate firefighting operations will continue for "some time." Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident for this fire as well, with full operations resuming on Monday evening, July 13.

The widespread smoke from both fires has severely impacted air quality across Greater Manchester and neighbouring areas. Reports indicate the smell of smoke reaching as far as Sale, the city centre, Levenshulme, Wythenshawe, Salford, Cheshire, Warrington, Liverpool, and North Wales. According to air quality website IQ Air, Stockport, particularly around Heaton Moor, has been the hardest hit, with its air quality classified as "unhealthy" and peaking at an Air Quality Index (AQI) of approximately 154. An AQI value between 0-50 is considered good. Other parts of Greater Manchester, such as Withington, Hulme, and Chorlton-cum-Hardy, registered "moderate" air quality with scores exceeding 50 AQI. IQ Air's index measures key pollutants including sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

Health experts and local authorities have issued urgent warnings and advice to residents. Stockport Council, alongside clinical lead at the Asthma and Lung charity, Matt Swallow, and senior lecturer Fatemah Moheimani from Manchester Metropolitan University, strongly advise those affected by visible smoke to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. This precaution is crucial because wildfire smoke contains fine particles and gases that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. While most healthy individuals may experience only temporary symptoms, the smoke poses a greater risk to vulnerable groups, including babies, young children, older people, pregnant individuals, and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions such as asthma, COPD, or heart disease. Experts recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor exercise, as increased breathing during physical activity can lead to deeper inhalation of harmful particles. People with respiratory conditions are urged to continue taking prescribed medication, carry inhalers, and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or medication becomes less effective. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their faster breathing rates and developing airways. These particles, capable of travelling hundreds of miles, necessitate widespread vigilance, and residents are encouraged to monitor local air quality rates.

The fires are exacerbated by an ongoing UK heatwave. The Met Office had issued a red alert for hay fever across Greater Manchester and north west England for July 15 and 16, alongside other regions. While Manchester experienced a "brief respite" with 24C on Monday, temperatures were expected to climb to 27C on Tuesday, with some parts of southern-central England potentially reaching 33C on Wednesday. High pressure is forecast to maintain sunny, warm conditions and a lack of rainfall throughout the week, though a slight dip to mid-to-high 20s is anticipated by the weekend due to a northerly influence, still remaining above average. The public has been repeatedly urged to avoid both fire-affected areas to ensure emergency access and safety.