Unstoppable Inferno: Moor Fires Persist Despite Rain, Emergency Crews Push Limits
Major wildfires continue to burn across the moors above Greater Manchester and surrounding areas despite recent rainfall. Fire services confirm that while rain has aided efforts to dampen moorlands, the incidents remain active and complex, requiring ongoing substantial resources and public caution. The affected areas span an equivalent of 1,250 football pitches, with emergency crews tirelessly working to contain the blazes.
Major wildfires have continued to burn on the moors above Greater Manchester and surrounding areas for several weeks, with crews battling blazes near Dovestone Reservoir in Greenfield, Oldham, and a nearby moorland area at Swineshaw, near Glossop, since Saturday, July 11. An operation to contain another significant moorland fire close to the village of Tintwistle is also ongoing, which has necessitated the closure of the A628 Woodhead Pass. The total area affected by these fires is estimated to be equivalent to 1,250 football pitches.
Following a prolonged period of dry weather that significantly challenged firefighting efforts, the region finally experienced its first rainfall overnight and into Sunday, July 26. However, fire chiefs from both Greater Manchester and Derbyshire have clarified that while the rain has provided some assistance, it has not extinguished the fires.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), leading operations at Dovestone and Swineshaw, stated that periods of light rainfall and mist have dampened the moorlands but the fires remain active, keeping the situation classified as a major incident. Ben Levy, Head of Response at GMFRS, commended the outstanding resilience and bravery of firefighters and the invaluable support from partners in tackling the wildfires amidst challenging conditions and difficult terrain. GMFRS continues to advise the public to avoid the affected areas and to keep windows and doors closed if their homes are impacted by smoke.
Similarly, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, responsible for the Tintwistle operation, confirmed that heavy rain, though welcome, has not brought the incident to an end. The rainfall is aiding in dampening vegetation and reducing fire activity in certain locations, contributing to the substantial progress made by firefighters and partner agencies. Despite the change in weather, it remains a large, complex, and resource-intensive incident, with crews from across the UK deployed through National Resilience arrangements to extinguish remaining hotspots, mitigate reignition risks, and bring the incident to a safe conclusion. The 999 control operators also play a crucial role in managing emergency calls and logistics.
Both fire services emphasized that despite the recent rain, the risk of wildfire has not disappeared. Vegetation can quickly dry out, leaving the potential for existing hotspots to reignite and for new fires to start elsewhere. They extended their gratitude to everyone involved in the collective effort to respond to these widespread moorland fires.