Smoke from devastating moorland wildfires has been billowing across Greater Manchester for four days, and Oldham residents are waking up to the smell and sight of the haze. The fires, which continue to rage near the Dovestone Reservoir and Tintwistle Moor, have led to major incidents being declared as firefighters struggle to control the blazes.

The fires have been burning since the weekend, with smoke visible from miles away. The largest blaze is on Tintwistle Moor, above Woodhead Road in Glossop, while another significant fire is near Dovestone Reservoir. Both have resulted in major incident declarations from emergency services.

Residents across the region have reported the strong smell of smoke. Dennis Wallis from Warrington said, "We had terrible air quality over Warrington on Sunday into Monday and last evening again had a strong smell of smoke." Another reader, Jason Cox, added, "That's what I smelt when I woke up at 3am then, still smell it now." Rebecca Hannan from Wythenshawe noted, "I can smell the smoke in Wythenshawe this morning and its very hazy outside." Al Biebak from Stockport said, "The smoke has been rife in Stockport the last two days."

Oldham residents have also been affected, with many describing the air as hazy and smoky. The proximity of the fires to Oldham means that the smoke has drifted into the town, causing discomfort for some. One Oldham resident echoed the sentiments of others, saying the smell is noticeable both during the day and at night.

Leanne Evans from Hadfield, which is close to the fires, provided a detailed account: "We are right by it and the smoke doesn’t seem quite as bad this morning. But I am hearing constant sirens again so not quite sure how bad it actually is again this morning. The winds changed a little so the smoke isn’t right in this morning. It’s reached the fields close to us in Hadfield now. Peaked the brow of the moors a few days ago. They seem to be doing well at holding it back and think that is all they can do until we get some sort of rain bomb."

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has warned about the health risks associated with the smoke. The service released a notice stating: "We're aware that smoke from wildfires is affecting air quality across parts of the region. Wildfire smoke contains very small particles and gases that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Most healthy people will experience only temporary symptoms, but smoke can have a greater impact on babies and young children, older people, those who are pregnant, and those with existing heart or lung conditions such as asthma, COPD or heart disease."

The smoke has also spread into parts of Cheshire and other surrounding areas, extending the impact beyond the immediate vicinity of the fires.

The efforts of firefighters have been praised by locals. Yvonne Mills said, "Let's give it up for our firefighters. In this heat doing what they do. Come on people let's hear it for the boys and girls trying to help us as much as they can."

The fire at Tintwistle alone has burned an area the size of 350 football pitches already, and officials expect firefighting operations to last for some time. The blaze is a major incident, with crews working continuously to contain it. The heatwave conditions have made the efforts particularly challenging.

As the fires continue to smoulder, the smoke is expected to persist, affecting air quality in Oldham and across Greater Manchester. Residents are advised to take precautions, such as staying indoors and closing windows, to reduce exposure to the smoke.