Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident as firefighters continue to battle a severe moorland blaze at Dovestone Reservoir in Greenfield, Oldham. The declaration was made on Monday afternoon, with crews, specialist wildfire teams, and partner agencies working to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further across the moors.

The difficult and remote terrain has required additional firefighters to be drafted in, with relief crews rotating through the incident to maintain round-the-clock operations. A water supply has now been established, allowing firefighters to move into an offensive operation using hose lines to directly tackle the flames. Specialist wildfire personnel and command officers remain on site to support the response.

In an update issued at 4pm on Monday, GMFRS warned that changing weather conditions mean smoke from the fire may continue to be visible across Greater Manchester, including parts of Oldham. Residents affected by smoke are advised to remain indoors where possible and keep windows and doors closed to reduce smoke entering their homes.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that a 20-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the incident. She remains in custody while enquiries continue. The arrest comes as fire crews continue to extinguish hotspots and monitor conditions on the moors.

Road closures and access restrictions remain in place around Dovestone Reservoir, with only local residents and authorised personnel permitted access. The public is urged to avoid the Dovestone area while emergency services continue their work, as access routes are critical for operational vehicles. This popular beauty spot, located near the border of Oldham and Kirklees, is often visited by local walkers and nature enthusiasts.

The incident has brought back memories of previous moorland fires that have affected the region, highlighting the ongoing risk during dry conditions. Residents are reminded to take extra care when visiting the countryside and to follow safety advice. For now, the priority remains on containing the blaze and ensuring the safety of both the community and emergency responders.