Saddleworth Moor fire: Army called in to help tackle fierce wildfire raging near Manchester

Fire chiefs have called in the army to help tackle a ferocious blaze on Saddleworth Moor in Greater Manchester.

Dozens of homes have been evacuated after the moorland fire spread wildly, forcing police to declare a major incident.

Around 100 Greater Manchester firefighters are tackling seven separate fronts of fire in an area believed to cover 6km across moorland in Tameside.

Dave Keelan, director of emergency response at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), said: "We have been liaising with a military advisor on the scene and following those discussions we have requested military assistance from the Ministry of Defence.

The large wildfire sweeps across the moors between Dovestones and Buckton Vale in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester
Getty Images

"There's still a lot of smoke from the fire but air quality levels are being monitored regularly in different locations. Air quality is currently at a safe level and therefore residents have been let back into their homes."

Water firm United Utilities has provided a helicopter that can be used to drop water from height to areas of the fire that is difficult to access from foot while Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and the North West Ambulance hazardous area response team are also assisting.

Mr Keelan added: "The advice from Public Health England remains the same - if you are in an area of smoke please try and keep windows and doors closed and keep hydrated by drinking water, and if you have any health concerns contact the NHS 111 service.

"We don't know the cause of this incident at this stage and it would be very difficult to ascertain the cause due to the extent of the damage but we will be looking into that once we have tackled the fire.

"We've had a great deal of support from the public and charities - people have been donating supplies and we are really grateful, however, we really need people to stay away from the scene.

"Please listen to the advice and continue to follow official updates for the latest information."

The full moon rises behind burning moorland as a large wildfire sweeps across the moors between Dovestones and Buckton Vale in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester
Getty Images

That assistance could include the utilising of extra personnel, four-wheel drive vehicles and possible air support, said Mr Keelan.

There have been no reports of injuries, officers said. At least two local schools will be closed due to the fire, according to Tameside Council.

Greater Manchester Police tweeted: "Homes in the Calico Crescent area of Tameside are now being evacuated due to their close proximity to the Moorland Fires."

Residents were allowed back into their homes to collect belongings early on Wednesday morning with a decision to be made later as to whether they could return properly.

A policeman patrols the entrance to Calico Close in Carrbrrok where residents have been evacuated due to the large wildfire sweeping across the moors
Getty Images

Earlier, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) advised locals to keep out smoke by closing their windows and doors as crews continued to tackle the blaze in "very difficult circumstances".

GMFRS group manager for Tameside, Phil Nelson, said: "Crews are still tackling this difficult fire and are working hard to contain the blaze and prevent further fire spread.

"Firefighters are faced with very difficult circumstances, intense heat and are working on challenging terrain.

"Our main considerations are for crew welfare. It is physically draining working at this incident and it is vital that our firefighters have regular breaks and that relief crews are available to take over.

"I would like to thank the Salvation Army for keeping our crews fed and watered during this incident.

The fire caused widespread devastation on the moors
PA

"We are co-ordinating our efforts with our partners at the Peak District, United Utilities and Ranger Services and will continue to into the evening."

Public Health England offered advice to those affected by smoke, tweeting: "Smoke is an irritant and can make people's eyes and throat sore.

“Wash your face with soap and water and keep hydrated by drinking water."

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