Manchester city centre was masked in smoke as strong burning smell was noticed as far south as SaleVideo shows scale of Dovestones blaze
Smoke smothered parts of Greater Manchester and billowed for miles as the major wildfire at Dovestones violently raged on for a second day on Sunday (July 12). The smog was smelt as far as Sale, Stockport and Levenshulme as well as masking parts of the city centre.
Emergency services remained at the scene near the beauty spot after the moorland blaze first broke out on Saturday (July 11). Crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were called to the Saddleworth reserve at around 8.45pm to reports of a wildfire.
And on Sunday, a large fire service response remained at the scene. Strict ‘avoid area’ warnings were implemented as Greater Manchester basked in another day of hot temperatures. Smoke plumes could be seen being blown across the region in dramatic photos and videos shared with the M.E.N.
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It’s feared that the ongoing blaze may have been started by the careless use of fireworks. According to eyewitnesses, spoken to by the Manchester Evening News, residents reported hearing ‘loud bangs’ prior to the fire taking hold. Other video footage shared widely online appear to show fireworks being let off in the vicinity on Saturday evening.
Video footage shared widely online appear to show fireworks being let off in the vicinity on Saturday evening.
One shows a young woman holding a rocket launcher as a firework explodes out from it on the moors. One firework then appears to spark a blaze in dry grasses, before a group of bystanders run over to the smoking section of moorland.
Youths had gathered in tribute to a teenager who tragically lost his life in the reservoir on Friday night (June 10). Karl Holland, 18, was lost his life after getting into difficulties in the water, with his body sadly recovered from the scene later.
Follow LIVE: Dovestone moor fire LIVE as blaze rages for second following reports of ‘youths setting off fireworks’
The M.E.N understands that Greater Manchester Police and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are aware of videos circulating showing fireworks being let off in the area and that they will form part of investigations into the cause of the fire.
Group of youths let off fireworks at Dovestone Reservoir
Throughout Sunday, smoke could be seen billowing into the sky for several miles and smothering parts of the region. Members of the public are still advised to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed in the area due to the amount of smoke smouldering from the ongoing blaze.
Smoke seen from Reddish shows it smothering Manchester(Image: Sonia Turkington)
The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said the weather posed ‘challenging conditions’, and meant that smoke and haze was being blown across parts of the region some miles away.
According to reports, smoke could be smelt as far as Sale, and could also be seen billowing over the city centre, Levenshulme, and Wythenshawe. Dramatic images and videos taken from Werneth Low on Sunday evening showed the scale of the smoke plume as fire crews continued to tackle the flames.
Plumes of smoke were blown over parts of the region(Image: Manchester Evening News)
It was another challenging day for emergency services on Sunday, with multiple road closures in place and United Utilities helicopters drafted in to drop water over the blazing site. A large area of moorland close to the reservoir was seen being scorched.
In a statement online, Dukinfield and Stalybridge Councillor Jake Frater said: “This fire has been burning for hours, destroying wildlife and habitats, and putting people at risk. It’s also affecting an area where many families have planted memorial trees to remember loved ones. Those places mean so much to people, and seeing them damaged is heartbreaking.
Water was dropped on the site by United Utilities helicopters(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
“If your child was involved, or if you know who was, please take the time to talk to them about the real dangers and consequences of their actions. What may seem like a bit of fun can quickly become devastating.
“The impact doesn’t stop at the moors. Smoke affects elderly residents, people with breathing conditions, and children with asthma. Firefighters are diverted away from other emergencies, wildlife is killed or displaced, and huge areas of countryside can take years to recover.”
The blaze continued to rage on on Sunday(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
One person in the city centre said it ‘absolutely stinks’ and shared pictures of smoke plumes hovering over the Piccadilly area. “Crikey, you can smell it in Sale,” said another resident. Social media was also awash with posts about the smell of smoke as far as Levenshulme, Stockport, Eccles, Stretford and Trafford.
“Can anyone else smell a foul burning smell?” a post in a Reddish group read, as a resident in Dukinfield posted: “It’s so smokey and smells of burning!”
Smoke seen from Reddish amid the fire at Dovestones(Image: Sonia Turkington)
GMFRS later said that due to winds, smoke had travelled ‘significant distances’ as they issued another plea for people on the moors to avoid using disposable barbecues, campfires or fireworks.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At just before 8.45pm on Saturday 11 July, fire crews were called to reports of a fire in open moorland near Dovestones Reservoir, Greenfield.
“Firefighters remain in attendance this evening (Sunday 12 July) and continue to work alongside partner agencies to contain the fire and prevent further spread.
A smouldering remains of a box of fireworks left dumped on a footpath (Image: UGC)
“Throughout the day, additional fire engines, specialist wildfire units, burns teams, command support resources and drone capability have been brought in to support the response. Crews are working across a number of sectors to tackle active fire fronts, create fire breaks and prevent the spread of the fire into surrounding moorland and woodland areas.
“United Utilities remains on scene supporting the multi-agency response, with a range of tactical options being considered to support firefighting efforts in difficult terrain.
Smoke seen over Northern Moor(Image: ste.moff)
“Due to strong winds, smoke from the fire may travel significant distances and people across Greater Manchester may notice a smell of burning or haze in the air. Residents affected by smoke are advised to keep windows and doors closed where possible.
“Firefighters will remain at the scene overnight while work continues. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area where possible to allow emergency services and partner agencies to carry out their work safely.
“GMFRS continues to urge people not to use disposable barbecues, light campfires or set off fireworks on or near moorland. In the current dry conditions, even a small spark can quickly develop into a significant fire.”