At last, the Saddleworth Moor fires are out

The Saddleworth Moor fires rage soon after taking hold three weeks ago

After three long weeks, the wildfire on Saddleworth Moors has now been extinguished and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have withdrawn all crews from the incident.

Over the last week, GMFRS has scaled back resources from all three incidents in Tameside, Bolton and Denshaw, and for the last few days firefighters have monitored all of the areas on the moorlands in Saddleworth to ensure the fires are fully out.

Equipment that has been used to tackle the blaze will now be removed from the moorland and recovery work with partners will begin.

GMFRS’ Interim Chief Fire Officer, Dawn Docx said: “The last three weeks has been one of the busiest periods that GMFRS has ever experienced and I am incredibly proud of all of our crews, officers and support staff that have worked extremely hard to fight the fires and keep local communities safe.

“The support we have received has been phenomenal and I cannot thank our partners, neighbouring fire and rescue services, the military, volunteers and local communities enough for their dedication and vital support they have provided in this incredibly busy period.

“The much needed rainfall over the moors has meant that we have now been able to close the incident, but I must remind everyone to stay safe on the moorlands especially as schools are due to close this week.

“The hot weather is here to stay for the foreseeable future, which means we are still at risk of more wildfires over the summer holidays.

"Please take extra care and be really careful with discarded cigarettes and glass bottles.

"Please also ensure barbecues are used safely and do not use disposable barbecues in areas of open grassland.

"As a result of the hot weather, the ground is still very dry which causes fire to spread quickly.

“As the incident has now closed, we no longer require any donations to Stalybridge and Bolton North community fire stations, but we are very grateful for the generous contributions we have received over the last few weeks.”

GMFRS will continue to support Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service at the Winter Hill incident with one fire engine in attendance for dampening down and monitoring pockets of smoke in the area and three further crews collecting hose reels. 

Recall the Chronicle's exclusive drone footage and pictures as the Saddleworth Moor fires took hold on June 27, here.

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