Three fires on moors near Dovestone and Blackstone Edge

Firefighters battled three separate moorland blazes across Saddleworth yesterday, with crews working through the night to contain flames near Blackstone Edge. The fires broke out on what was described as the 'first warm day of the year,' raising concerns about wildfire risks as temperatures rise.

The first call came at 1.30pm to a fire near Blackstone Edge Reservoir, where Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service crews worked alongside West Yorkshire colleagues. Firefighters remained on site overnight to ensure the blaze was fully extinguished, with eight crews and a specialist wildfire unit still tackling hotspots the following morning.

A second fire erupted near Dovestone Reservoir at 3.40pm, requiring multiple fire engines from across Greater Manchester. Crews spent approximately five hours bringing that blaze under control, with images showing thick smoke billowing across the moors. The Dovestone fire followed four other moorland fires the previous day, suggesting a worrying pattern of wildfire activity.

A third fire was reported at Marsden Clough on Marsden Moor, with five fire engines responding to that incident. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service urged the public to avoid the area as crews worked to contain the flames. The multiple fires have sparked warnings about the dangers to wildlife and the strain on emergency services during dry conditions.