A fire that has been burning in Greater Manchester since Sunday has been declared a major incident by Great Manchester Police (GMP).
The blaze on Saddleworth Moor has forced the evacuation of 34 homes in Carrbrook, near Stalybridge, with no reports of any injuries, according to Sky News.
GMP tweeted: “We are in contact with the Army and they are on standby to help if we need them.”
Firefighters worked “flat out” to stop the blaze last night and had been hopeful of getting it under control by this morning, The Guardian reports. Although they made good progress, GMP were forced to initiate evacuations near Stalybridge late last night.
“Crews are still tackling this difficult fire and are working hard to contain the blaze and prevent further fire spread, Phil Nelson, from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said. “Firefighters are faced with very difficult circumstances, intense heat and are working on challenging terrain.”
According to the BBC, “the fire began on Sunday night, was reignited on Monday during the hot weather and then spread throughout Tuesday, fanned by evening winds.”
Health officials issued advice to residents in the Tameside area to stay inside and keep doors and windows closed in order to deal with the smoke coming from the moor.
Dozens of firefighters also fought a fire raging across moorland in Rivington, Lancashire. The region’s deputy chief fire officer, Justin Johnston, said: “We’ve been aware that this might occur given the long dry spell. Fortunately, crews are well trained and well equipped with special wildfire procedures.”
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