Manchester Chokes: Dramatic Footage Reveals Massive Dovestone Moor Fire
A massive moor fire continues to rage at Dovestone reservoir, blanketing Greater Manchester in smoke and prompting emergency services to remain on scene. The blaze, suspected to have been started by fireworks, reportedly occurred during a tribute to a teenager who tragically drowned in the reservoir. Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed as crews work to contain the extensive fire.
A significant moor fire at Dovestone reservoir continues to rage, casting a pall of smoke across the Greater Manchester region, including the city of Manchester itself.
The emergency crews are still on the scene following the outbreak of the massive wildfire on Saturday, July 11.
The crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) were dispatched to the Saddleworth beauty spot around 8:45 PM after reports of a wildfire.
The eyewitness who accounted the incident, revealed that with the Manchester Evening News, indicate that residents heard "loud bangs" shortly before the fire took hold.
A further video footage circulated online appears to show fireworks being set off in the vicinity on Saturday.
One video specifically depicts a young woman launching a rocket, which subsequently seems to ignite dry grasses on the moorland, prompting bystanders to rush towards the smoking area.
It is believed that youths had gathered to pay tribute to Karl Holland, an 18-year-old who tragically lost his life after encountering difficulties in the reservoir on Friday, June 10, with his body later recovered from the water.
Throughout Sunday, vast plumes of smoke were visible billowing into the sky for several miles, blanketing various parts of the region.
The public has been strongly advised to avoid the affected area and to keep windows and doors closed due to the substantial amount of smoke emanating from the ongoing blaze.
New footage shared with the Manchester Evening News vividly illustrates the immense scale of the fire, with smoke observed blowing from a viewpoint at Werneth Low, situated on the border of Tameside and Stockport.
The extensive areas of moorland ablaze have generated dense smoke, which has been seen spreading and covering a wide expanse.
There have also been reports of smoke reaching as far as White City retail park in Stretford, and residents in Trafford and Eccles have reported smelling smoke.
GMFRS later confirmed that strong winds had carried the smoke "significant distances," with reports of the smell even reaching Manchester city centre.
Fire crews are reportedly struggling to bring the blaze under control, and emergency services have confirmed their continued presence overnight and into Monday, July 13.
In their latest statement, GMFRS reiterated, "Firefighters remain at the scene of a moorland fire near Dovestones Reservoir and continue to work with partner agencies to contain the fire and prevent further spread."
They also reiterated the advice for residents affected by smoke to keep windows and doors closed where possible and urged the public to avoid the area to ensure the safety and operational efficiency of emergency personnel.