Moorland Fire Continues to Spread Across Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Police have reported that a 20-year-old woman has been charged in connection with a fire near Dove Stone Reservoir.
Firefighters have indicated that it may take several days to fully extinguish a significant moorland fire in Greater Manchester, which began on Saturday.
The blaze at Dove Stone Reservoir in Greenfield, Saddleworth, has merged with another fire several miles away at Tintwistle Moor near Glossop, according to officers.
Clive Stanbrook from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) explained that the fire is spreading due to tinder-dry conditions and shifting winds.
"We're doing all we possibly can to try and stop this fire from spreading any further," Stanbrook said, noting efforts including water drops from helicopters and reconnaissance missions using drones and aircraft.
A 20-year-old woman has appeared in court charged with arson related to the incident.
Major Incident Declared as Firefighters Face Challenging Conditions
The fire on Tintwistle Moor in Glossop started on 24 June and was declared a major incident on Sunday. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service described the conditions as challenging for firefighters.
"We've had a couple of helicopters dropping water as well, but also doing reconnaissance," Stanbrook said. "Mountain Rescue have been absolutely fantastic and provided their drone. We've also had a coastguard plane as well to do reconnaissance of the actual area. That's just a taste of the scale that we're dealing with at the moment."
Ben Levy, area manager for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), stated:
"I envisage our firefighters are going to be on these moors for a number of days, I am sure of it - there is no significant rainfall forecast, the temperatures are due to remain high."
On Tuesday, approximately 70 firefighters, 11 fire engines, and four wildfire units were deployed at the scene.
Levy added:
"Where our firefighters are is very steep and unsteady under foot. They are wearing heavy gear and any water they want to use is not up there. Water is not our only way of putting these fires out, we've got specialist teams who are doing their best to get this under control."
Community Support and Court Proceedings
Fire crews working to control the fire have received an outpouring of support, including drinks, food, and treats collected by Micklehurst Cricket Club in Mossley, where two members are firefighters.
The fire at Dove Stone Reservoir, which has been declared a major incident, produced large plumes of smoke visible across the wider region.
A woman appeared in court on Tuesday charged with arson.
Shania Care-Slede, 20, of Market Street, Hyde, was charged with aggravated arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and dangerous driving.
She was remanded in custody at Manchester Magistrates' Court and is scheduled to appear at Manchester Crown Court on 18 August.
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and Further Reading
- 'Incredible' gesture for crews tackling moor blaze
- Firefighters tackling large moorland blaze
- Woman accused of moorland arson appears in court
