Hundreds of firefighters continue to tackle 'unprecedented' moorland fires

Firefighters to continue to battle 'unprecedented' moorland fires Credit: PA

More than 100 firefighters from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are continuing to battle against 'unprecedented' moorland fires in Bolton and Tameside.

There are 12 fire engine crews currently at the scene at Tameside, whilst a further 10 engines are based at Winter Hill, where they are supporting 14 fire engine crews from Lancashire Fire Rescue Service and 2 from Tyne and Wear.

Assistant County Fire Officer, Dave Keelan, from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said:

Due to the smoke from the fire Tameside Council have announced that the following schools are closed for the day:

  • Buckton Vale

  • Millbrook

  • St Raphael's

  • Mossley Hollins

Advice from Public Health England for those living nearby the fires is:

  • Stay indoors

  • Keep doors and windows closed

  • Tune in to the local radio station for advice and information

  • Motorists travelling through smoke should keep windows and air vents closed.

  • Those who need to be outdoors should avoid areas affected by smoke or ash, or limit the time they spend in them.

  • Those with asthma should carry their inhaler with them at all times.

Smoke can irritate air passages, the skin and the eyes leading to coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain.

It can also worsen existing problems such as asthma and people with asthma should carry their inhaler with them at all times.

Anyone concerned about their symptoms is advised to contact their GP or the NHS 111 service.