Greater Manchester Police have made two further arrests on suspicion of arson in connection with the large moorland fire that broke out near Dovestone Reservoir on the edge of Oldham on the evening of Saturday 11 July.

A 19-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday 16 July and has been bailed pending further enquiries. A man in his 20s was arrested the following day, Friday 17 July, and remains in police custody for questioning.

In a statement, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “I mentioned in my last update that we are aware of the social media posts circulating regarding this incident. It is a live police investigation, and I would like to stress the point again: to stop sharing and speculating regarding this. If you do have information, please report it to ourselves.”

The spokesperson added: “As this incident continues, officers would like to thank all emergency service partners for their support and dedication. In particular, our colleagues at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, whose firefighters have spent countless hours tackling the fire in demanding conditions. I would like to thank the local community in Oldham and the whole of Greater Manchester for their assistance with this investigation. We have received numerous submissions which helped and the portal is still open for submissions.”

The fire, which began late on Saturday 11 July, has burned a significant area of moorland near Dovestone Reservoir. Crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have been battling the blaze for almost a week, working in difficult terrain and weather conditions. They have been supported by gamekeepers and other agencies.

Dovestone Reservoir is a popular beauty spot on the edge of the Peak District National Park, enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and families. The fire has caused considerable disruption, with smoke visible for miles and large plumes affecting the valley.

Road closures remain in place at Holmfirth Road and Bank Lane, with no public access to Dovestone Reservoir while firefighters and gamekeepers continue to tackle the blaze. Police have asked members of the public to avoid the affected areas completely and to refrain from using drones near the scene, as they can hinder firefighting efforts.

Anyone with footage or information that could assist the investigation is encouraged to submit it via the GMP evidence portal at https://gmp.uk.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/dovestonesfire.

Police have reiterated that the cause of the fire remains under investigation and have urged the public not to speculate on social media. They have praised the local community for their support and emphasised that the evidence portal remains open for any further submissions that might help the inquiry.

These two arrests follow earlier police action and are part of a determined effort to identify those responsible for starting the fire. Officers continue to appeal for anyone with direct knowledge of the incident to come forward.

The fire has drawn widespread concern across Oldham and beyond, with many residents anxious about the damage to the moorland ecology and the impact on local wildlife. Firefighters remain on scene monitoring hotspots and damping down affected areas.

Greater Manchester Police and Fire and Rescue Service have both asked the public to remain patient while the emergency response and investigation continue. They stress that public safety remains the top priority.