Moorland Mayhem: Dovestone Fire Continues, Arson Suspect Freed

Moorland fires continue to plague areas near Greater Manchester, with significant blazes at Dovestone Reservoir, Swineshaw, and Tintwistle Moor requiring extensive emergency responses. These prolonged incidents have led to an arson charge against a woman, ongoing complex firefighting operations, and strict public safety advisories across the affected regions.

The fire near Dovestone Reservoir in Greenfield, Oldham, along with a nearby blaze at Swineshaw, has been active since at least July 11. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has characterized it as a "complex and prolonged incident," with much of the fireground being remote and difficult to access, necessitating specialist wildfire teams, dedicated vehicles, firebreaks, and aerial support. In a concerning development, firefighters over a recent weekend were forced to extinguish a "small fire linked to camping" in the same area, following reports of people lighting barbecues on the moorland. An investigation by Greater Manchester Police led to the arrest of a 19-year-old woman and a man in his 20s on suspicion of arson, both subsequently released on bail. Shania Care-Slede, aged 20, of Market Street, Hyde, has been formally charged with two offences in connection with the Dovestone fire: one count of arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and one count of dangerous driving. She was initially remanded in custody but was later granted conditional bail on July 20 by Judge Maurice Greene at Minshull Street Crown Court. Ms. Care-Slede has not yet entered her pleas and is scheduled for a plea hearing on August 18.

Meanwhile, a major blaze at Tintwistle Moor, near Glossop above Woodhead Road, has been burning for almost four weeks. The Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) declared this a major incident, with huge plumes of smoke continuously billowing over Greater Manchester and surrounding areas. As of July 20, 65 firefighters are actively working at the scene, supported by 15 personnel from Derby Mountain Rescue Team and 10 from United Utilities. Four helicopters are being utilized to conduct crucial water drops, focusing on flare-ups in the Crowden and Arnfield areas overnight. The A628 Woodhead Pass remains closed in both directions between the A57 at Hollingworth and the A616 at Flouch to ensure safe access for emergency responders and partner agencies. This closure is expected to last until at least Friday, partly due to a car crash on the road the previous Thursday which ignited a separate fire on nearby moorland.

Both fire services emphasize the challenging conditions crews face in protecting communities and the natural environment. They continue to call upon the public for support and cooperation. Residents affected by smoke from either wildfire are advised to stay indoors with doors and windows closed, and to follow updates from local authorities. Crucially, members of the public are urged to avoid affected moorland areas, keep access routes clear for emergency services, and refrain from engaging in activities that heighten fire risk. Specifically, instructions include not lighting campfires, using disposable barbecues, or bringing any naked flames onto the moorland, especially given the hot, dry conditions. Furthermore, both GMFRS and DFRS have issued warnings against flying drones in areas affected by the Tintwistle Moor or Dovestone/Swineshaw wildfires. Airspace restrictions are in place over both incidents to allow aerial firefighting operations to continue safely and effectively, and drone interference could disrupt these vital operations and endanger crews. Both services expressed gratitude to local communities for their continued patience, support, and cooperation during these multi-agency responses.