LIVEUpdated 12 mins ago
Emergency services are on the scene in Saddleworth
Flames seen on the land above Dovestone Reservoir
Rachel Vickers-Price UK and World News Reporter and Ian Hughes
Emergency services are on the scene following reports of a huge moor fire near Dovestone Reservoir, in Oldham, this evening (July 11).
Smoke can be seen billowing into the sky close to the beauty spot. According to reports, the clouds can be seen for several miles.
Members of the public have been advised to avoid the area. And those living nearby should keep all doors and windows closed.
The cause and extent of the blaze are not yet known. The Manchester Evening News has contacted Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service for more information.
The incident comes barely 24 hours after the tragic death of a teenage boy at Dovestone Reservoir. Karl Holland , 18, was pronounced dead after getting into difficulties at the beauty spot in Saddleworth, on Friday night (July 10).
Tributes have since been paid to a ‘kindhearted, beautiful boy’.
Greater Manchester Police said detectives were conducting ‘extensive enquiries’ to establish the full circumstances – and stressed the dangers of open water after a series of other tragedies in Greater Manchester and across the country during the recent heatwaves.
This is an ongoing incident, follow the live blog below for updates
Today23:42 BST
Smoke visible for miles as firefighters battle on to end beauty spot blaze
Huge plumes of smoke can be seen for miles across Greater Manchester as a massive moor fire rages in Oldham.
Crews from across Greater Manchester, supported by specialist wildfire resources, are now urgently working to extinguish the flames burning across the Saddleworth beauty spot.
Here’s a wrap of all the latest here.
Today23:02 BST
What we knowCrews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are being supported by specialist wildfire resources.Residents and visitors in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke drifting from the scene.There are currently five engines on in attendance, using water and grass beaters in a bid to bring the incident under control.Residents reported hearing ‘loud bangs’ prior to the fire taking hold.The 999 call came in just before 8.45pm and firefighters remain at the scene.
Today22:43 BST
‘Keep windows and doors closed’Content cannot be displayed without consent
Today22:37 BST
Video shows smoke billowing into skyContent cannot be displayed without consent
Today22:27 BST
‘Loud bangs’
Residents the Manchester Evening News has spoken to report hearing ‘loud bangs’ prior to the fire breaking out. It is not known whether these are linked to the blaze.
According to eyewitnesses, the smoke across Saddleworth has been getting worse.
Today22:25 BST
Emergency crews on scene
Today22:19 BST
Image shows scale of fire
Today22:03 BST
Smoke seen from nearby campsite
Today22:03 BST
Image shows huge plumes of smoke
Today21:59 BST
Full GMFRS statement
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said:
“At just before 8.45pm this evening (Saturday 11 July), fire crews were called to reports of a fire in open moorland near Dovestones Reservoir, Greenfield.“Five fire engines from Mossley, Stalybridge, Hyde, Bolton North, Littleborough, supported by specialist wildfire units and officers, quickly attended the scene.“Crews located a grass fire and used beaters and backpack water units to tackle the blaze.“Firefighters remain at the scene working to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread.”
Today21:59 BST
Five crews on scene
There are currently five fire engines on the scene. The incident is understood to be a grass fire in open moorland near Dovestone Reservoir.
Crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are using water and grass beatures to briung the blaze under control.
Today21:57 BST
Fire service update
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed they were called to the scene just before 8.45pm this evening
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