Around 100 soldiers and an RAF Chinook helicopter have been sent to tackle fires near Saddleworth Moor, the Ministry of Defence has said.

Fire chiefs called in the military to move high-volume pump equipment by air to help douse the vast moorland blaze, which has raged for days.

More than 100 Greater Manchester firefighters continue to tackle seven pockets of fire in an area spanning up to 6km across Tameside.

Problems faced by the crews included frequent changes in wind direction, the peat-embedded terrain which requires large quantities of water to extinguish flames and the searing temperatures.

Police declared the fire a “major incident” and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer Dave Keelan 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." </s> Fire chiefs have warned Saddleworth Moor blaze could rage for weeks as temperatures continue to clime.

Today the Army and RAF will join firefighters on the fifth day to combat the epic inferno which has savaged the popular beauty spot nestled in the Pennies, Greater Manchester.

Horrific photographs reveal the extent of the damage with a scorched lamb tragically found stranded on the burning landscape.

Helicopters have been pictured dropping gallons of water onto the flames in a bid to halt their spread, amid suggestions from locals that off-road motorcyclists riding the moorlands on Sunday ignited the blaze.

And 100 soldiers have also been sent to help the exhausted firefighters, the Ministry of Defence has confrimed.

The smoke engulfing homes has been described as dangerous with health officials forcing families to wear dust masks and to stay indoors.

The inferno has raged across four miles of the Pennines beauty spot near Greater Manchester, decimating the moorlands in its wake.

A major incident was declared yesterday morning as the blaze worsened, with 34 homes evacuated. A public health warning has now been issued about pollution in the air.

The task now facing crews is frequently shifting as changes in wind directions create fresh problem areas amid the ongoing heatwave, with temperatures reaching around 94F (33C) in the sun.

An RAF Chinook helicopter has now been deployed to provide the military with the assistance requested, said Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: 'I pay tribute to our armed forces' professionalism, dedication and sense of duty.

'They are proving once again that Britain can always depend on our troops to protect us no matter the time, no matter the place, and no matter the problem.'

Dave Keelan, director of emergency response at GMFRS, said: 'The request is to assist us to move some high volume pumps by air to locations that we couldn't get them to with vehicles, and also the ability to transport personnel to those more remote areas so we can get there quicker with more people with the water supplies we hope to put in place to try and resolve the incident in a quicker nature.'

He said transporting two of the high volume pumps to remote locations would give his crews an 'excellent quantity of water with a nice main across a big area that we can tap into'.

A police helicopter was deployed to the scene across Tameside - where plumes of smoke can be seen from space via Nasa satellites - and discussions between fire bosses and their military counterparts followed.

It is believed by some locals that off-road motorcyclists riding the moorland on Sunday triggered the initial fire near to Buckton Hill, which lies above the area.

Fire chiefs insisted they had not established the cause but local farmer James Crowther was in no doubt about who is responsible - a theory echoed by many in the community.

He said on Facebook: 'Well done to the stupid idiots on motorbikes, who decided to break on to private land, use it as an off road course then set fire to it afterwards.

'No respect whatsoever and left others fighting a losing battle trying to get it out!'

Dave Keelan, director of emergency response at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: 'We are trying to extinguish the fire. It's just extremely difficult because of the changing wind direction and the terrain, and also the peat, the soil that it is in, tends to burn and the fire can be quite deep-seated.

'We have got really good strategies in place for each of the separate incidents we are dealing with across the area with the aim to establish them as quickly as possible.

'There is some work ongoing at the minute with our colleagues in the military to see if it is possible for them to assist us in any way and those discussions are currently taking place with my operation incident commander to see if that can be achieved in the short term.'

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

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.

Air quality levels in the area are being monitored regularly in different locations and air quality is at a safe level, with people in affected areas urged to keep their windows and doors closed, said GMFRS.

Residents have described flames leaping 20 feet in the air as firefighters continue to tackle a vast blaze on Saddleworth Moor.

Chris Keytes and his wife Jane live in a farmhouse on the side of a still smouldering hill above houses evacuated in Carrbrook, Greater Manchester, on Tuesday night.

Mr Keytes said he got home from work at 6pm and once the fire was over the crest of the hill he called the fire service out.

Three fire engines climbed the lane to the farmhouse to get water on the flames, just metres from the back of his home.

He said: 'By that time the flames must have been leaping 20 feet high, but the problem is the wind direction is constantly changing. My problem was I have got dry brushwood here I haven't shifted, a broken-down tractor here with a tank of diesel, so that was my main problem and it was a bit hot at times.

'It's just smoke and heat, when you are just stood out here when the fire crews are here. They have got hoses but the heat was that intense when they spray the hoses on, it just evaporates to steam anyhow.

'So what they do is they damp the bracken down before the fire gets there with the hope of it petering out.

'Which it has done but it's just one of those things, it's hard terrain, especially in the dark, you can't see where you are going. There's potholes, fences, walls. It's hard work.'

Mr Keytes said he decided not to leave his home and dog when asked to evacuate the property on Tuesday night.

He added: 'We were asked to but I'd rather just stick it out, we had breathing gear here.

'I was in and out all night. Obviously I couldn't sleep and I said to the wife, 'I think the worst is over', then the lights went out. We were without power all night then.

'This morning I've come down, and there are still pockets of flames flaring up. I'm just rigging a pump up now to damp down on that.

'We've got natural breaks that go all the way round, but it's just one of those things, you live with it, you just have to be on the ball when it comes.

'It was just the vast area, right over from Dovestones, right from Saddleworth over to here. All the lot's gone up so it's just stretching the fire crews really.

'The wind's changed again and it has started to smog up again and it's going to constantly do that.'

Sue McDowell and her husband Peter had to grab a few possessions and their beloved West Highland terriers and pet cat, after being told by police and the fire service to evacuate their home in Calico Close, Carrbrook.

Mrs McDowell said: 'The flames were getting closer and closer and the smoke got thicker - you couldn't see anything, you could hear the sparks.

'Around 9pm fire engines and police all turned up. We just grabbed whatever we and could got out. It was scary.'

The couple took their dogs, Alfie, 12, and Daisy, two, along with their 16-year-old cat, Mog, and some pet food, and left their home as neighbours also fled the street.

They spent the night in their motor home on a friend's driveway before returning on Wednesday morning.

Mrs McDowell added: 'You couldn't see anything, you couldn't see flames, all you could see was the smoke.

'They said we could come back but to be prepared in case it starts off again.

'We will keep some things together in case we need to go again.'

Prime Minister Theresa May has told MPs that the Government is keeping the situation in Saddleworth 'under constant review'.

Mrs May, speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, paid tribute to emergency service personnel and offered her sympathy to all those affected by the blaze.

She said: 'The Home Office is monitoring the situation closely with the National Resilience Assurance team.

'So far no request for Government support has been made from Manchester Fire and Rescue but we are keeping this under constant review and operational policy arrangements are in place to provide support if required.'

Among the affected areas is the village of Carrbrook, in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, where 34 households in the Calico Crescent area were evacuated on Tuesday night as a precaution when strong winds pushed flames near their properties.

A major incident was declared and the Army remains on standby as Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service put in a plan of action to douse the fire which initially broke out on Sunday afternoon before it reignited the following day and has since worsened.

Leon Parkes, GMFRS assistant chief fire officer, said: 'Fire crews have been working in tremendously difficult conditions in the heat and smoke.

'We are doing an assessment on the scene this morning and then we will be putting a plan of attack together for the rest of the day.

'We've got over six kilometres of affected area - there is fire occurring in pockets around the outskirts. So we have got a belt of fire and obviously the wind direction at the time will have an affect on that.

'The seats of fire are not where we can access. We are having to park fire engines up and some of the fire scenes are two miles away so we are having to use other vehicles supplied by our partner agencies to transport firefighters and kit into those areas.

'The plan today is to try and really, really put some resource on the scene and put a heavy attack on this fire, and if that needs military assistance then that's what we'll consider.'

Mr Parkes added: 'This fire is particularly large. We've got lots of experience with dealing with moor fires but this particular incident is vast - it's presented some real challenges to the fire and rescue service in terms of our access, the conditions for firefighters that they have been working in and obviously the wind encourages the fire to spread.

'We have been dealing with an escalating incident and we are trying to get on top of it now.'

In Carrbrook, the morning sun struggled to break through with smoke still hanging thick in the air and ash floating to the ground.

Paula Tootell, who lives in Calico Crescent, said her neighbours were evacuated while she was told by police to keep her windows and doors shut and stay inside until they were told to move out as the flames raged nearby.

Ms Tootell said: 'The hills were on fire, it came closer and closer to the properties. Lots of fire engines arrived, we were told that they were putting pipes all around the estate for safety really.

'Houses across the road and further in, nearer to the fields, were evacuated and we were told to be on alert.

'We could see lots of flames on the hills and the whole of the hills was just red. It was bizarre, and so much smoke, you couldn't see in front of your face at some points.

She added: 'The whole of the hill was just on flame, like a bid red ring around the hills. You could see flames literally along the whole of the hill.'

It is thought that affected residents stayed with family and friends last night, although accommodation assistance was offered by Tameside Council.

On Facebook, Greater Manchester Police's Saddleworth division posted that an estimated 2,000 acres of moorland had been destroyed in the fire which had spread as far as Tintwistle in Derbyshire.

Some 65,000 gallons of water had been dropped by helicopter by Tuesday afternoon to fight the fire which was 'unprecedented in recent times and has been devastating to the moorland and the wildlife that live there', it added.

The exact cause of the blaze has not been established, said the fire service.

Greater Manchester Police said 34 homes have been evacuated so far as strong winds drive the flames closer to residential areas.

The force tweeted: 'We are in contact with the Army and they are on standby to help if we need them.'

Images posted on social media showed bright orange flames lighting the night sky, while smoke from the fire can be seen for miles.

No injuries have been reported as a result of the fire, but people living nearby have been advised to keep windows and doors closed by Public Health England.

Tameside Council said that two schools - Mossley Hollins High and Buckton Vale Primary - will be closed due to the ongoing fire.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service 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.'

Meanwhile the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham thanked fire crews.

He tweeted: 'Huge thanks to the GM firefighters working flat out to contain this worrying situation.'

Smoke can be seen from more than 20 miles away from the fires which have raged since Sunday evening.

Temperatures are expected to hit 91.4F today with the hot weather expected to last until the weekend.

According to Rachel West of the Met Office, the high temperatures expected to continue until the weekend.

She said: 'Wednesday and Thursday will be very hot and sunny, we're likely to see highs of 86.1F (31C) in parts of the country and there is a small chance we could see 89.6F (32C).

'On Friday temperatures tail off a bit in the north and east but it will still be very warm and the fine weather will continue on Saturday.'

Fire crews - including several specialist wildlife units - were first scrambled to the remote scene at around 8pm on Sunday evening.

Then on Tuesday, a helicopter was deployed to drop water on the fire to augment the firefighters on the ground.

Tameside Council and Public Health England have issued health warnings to those living nearby.

The fire started again on Monday morning, due to the warm weather and light winds. The fire has continued to burn overnight and firefighters remain at the scene.

The fire is in a remote area on the hills and it took crews some time to access it.

A spokesperson for Tameside Council said: 'Residents in areas affected by smoke should stay indoors, keep their doors and windows closed, and tune in to the local radio station for advice and information.

'Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.

'If people need to be outdoors, they are advised to avoid areas affected by any smoke or ash, or to limit the time that they spend in them.

'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 should contact their GP or NHS Direct.'

Public Health England North West aid: 'Residents affected by the fire are advised that if smoke if visible outside to keep windows and doors closed.

'Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air condition and keep air vents closed.

'Anyone with respiratory conditions may be susceptible to smoke from the fire so is advised to carry and use medicaion.'

Dramatic timelapse footage captured by an amateur photographer showed the extent of the blaze.

The video - made up of 990 photos, one image taken every 10 seconds for around four hours - was captured by amateur photographer Tristan Manchester on Monday night.

Mr Manchester, 22, had set up his camera with a telephoto lens to document the inferno as it tore through moorland on Saddleworth hills, Greater Manchester.

And from his vantage point in the loft of his Heyrod home, he was perfectly placed to record the blaze as it unfolded across the valley.

His footage shows the fire ominously creeping closer to the crest of a hill, while the bright lights of Carrbrook glimmer below.

'It was pretty scary because it was such a massive fire. It definitely looks like it's coming down the hill towards the houses,' said Mr Manchester, who started the recording before going to bed.

'I'm pretty proud of the video though. It was about two miles away but it looks much closer in the video.

'It's so hot at the moment so anything that catches doesn't stop burning.'

Lee Bourne, who is the incident commander, said on Tuesday: 'There is a concern about the amount of low lying smoke which is affecting local areas, namely Carrbrook, Greenfield and parts of Saddleworth, along with Stalybridge.

'Due to the weather conditions and there being a lack of wind, the smoke has settled so it is important for residents to keep doors and windows closed where there is any visible smoke.'

Station Manager Dave Swallow said on Monday: 'The fire currently involves two square kilometres of moorland between the Buckton Vale and Dovestones areas.

'The land is well alight and crews are using Forced Air Firefighting Units, which are like industrial leaf blowers, and beaters to extinguish the flames.

'It's a challenging incident for our crews due to the heat and the fact that the area involved in fire is around two miles from the nearest access point.'

Dozens of firefighters - who are facing intense heat and are working on challenging terrain - are continuing to contain the blaze and prevent it spreading further.

This section of countryside is often blighted by moorland fires.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said this is the 18th time in the last year crews have been called to the area to tackle blazes. </s> Firefighters have been called to a fire on Winter Hill, just over 30 miles from the large blaze on Saddleworth Moor.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said that the new fire, along with those on the moor, meant they were "massively busy".

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said it had also sent help to Winter Hill.

Meanwhile, firefighters are optimistic that they can beat the raging wildfires on Saddleworth Moor, hailing "significant improvement".

The words came just hours after 100 soldiers from A Company of the 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, joined the firefighting effort.

They are working alongside more than 100 firefighters, many of whom have been battling the blaze since Sunday.

The crews, along with 10 fire engines, specialist vehicles, helicopters, mountain rescue and army trucks, are based at Swineshaw Reservoir, Stalybridge.

Around 40 homes were evacuated on Tuesday as the fire stretched over seven square miles, covering much of the Greater Manchester area in smoke and ash.

Tony Hunter, assistant chief fire officer of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We have made significant improvements but I would put an air of caution there though - we had a similar occasion yesterday where we thought we were on top of it and it flared up."

Although it is now "contained and under control", there was the possibility that the wind could blow the flames back on to the moors, acting as a "fuel source" for the fire, he added.

The army has been deployed initially for 48 hours and an RAF Chinook helicopter could be called in from Odiham, Hampshire, if needed.

Major Phil Morgan, who is commanding the soldiers, said: "We meet every challenge and commit 100% in what we do.

"Currently we have broken our boys down into various locations and we are beating the fire with paddles and we are supporting them by moving equipment, we are putting water on the fires and we are doing everything we can to stop this fire at the moment.

"We are truly really happy and excited to be here and the boys are cherishing every moment of it."

The fire could last for weeks before it burns itself out, fire chiefs have said, although a "significant downpour of rain" would help, Mr Hunter said.

The cause of the fire is unclear and could be difficult to determine due to its size.

Meanwhile, the UK looked set to enjoy a fourth consecutive day of record temperatures, with the mercury predicted to reach 32C. </s> A major incident has been declared after two large-scale moorland fires merged.

People have been forced to flee their homes as hundreds of firefighters battle to put out what has now become one large blaze.

More than 100 firefighters are battling the fire in the West Pennine Moors, north of Bolton, after authorities declared a major incident.

Helicopters are being used in the frantic effort to stop the flames, amid fears a nearby radio mast which serves more than six million people will be damaged, the Manchester Evening News reports.

Fire service chiefs have requested military assistance, three days after the fire broke out on Thursday.

Lancashire Police said later that a 21-year-old man from Bolton has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

He has since been "released under investigation".

It comes just days after a massive fire broke out on Saddleworth Moor, which has covered an area of more than seven-square-miles between Tameside and Oldham, and the operation to put it out is expected to last into next week.

The latest fire covers an area of between six and eight kilometres, which has been described as a "vast" site.

Lancashire Fire Service has urged people to stop heading to the moors in an effort to help.

In a tweet, it wrote: "We’re really concerned that members of the public are heading up onto the moors. We really appreciate your offer to help but public safety is a priority and we ask people to stay away.

"Keeping windows and doors closed due to the smoke is also advised. Thank you."

The major incident has been called because the fire is close to the Winter Hill mast, which reaches more than six million people, providing TV stations in the North West.

Assistant chief officer Dave Russel said emergency services have asked for a ‘small number of homes’ to be evacuated on the Greater Manchester side.

The fires on Winter Hill, above Chorley, and Horrocks Farm at Scout Road, to the north of Bolton, are now being treated as one incident.

Crews were first called shortly after 3pm on Thursday afternoon and found a 1km squared area of peat land and grass was burning.

Earlier this week Manchester Fire Service warned that crews were "extremely busy" and urged people not to call 999 unless it was an emergency.

Operations had to be stepped down overnight for safety reasons, but firefighters returned at 4.30am when dawn broke on Friday.

Now Greater Manchester Police has put road closures in place to allow emergency services access to the site, and for public safety. </s> A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire broke out at Winter Hill near Bolton, police say.

Lancashire Constabulary and Lancashire Fire and Rescue say they are carrying out a joint investigation into the cause of the fire which broke out yesterday.

The origin and cause of the fire are still unknown but a 22-year-old from Bolton has been held on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

A combined force of 200 soldiers and firefighters are involved in efforts to contain the fires on the Pennine moors, but there are fresh concerns over their spreading.

About 80 firefighters worked through the night to tackle a new grass fire on Winter Hill, near Rivington, around 30 miles (50km) from the large blaze on Saddleworth Moor.

The fire on Saddleworth Moor, near Manchester, has been raging since Sunday.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said the eruption of a third blaze at Higher Swineshaw from 4am, along with that on the moor covering around seven square miles, meant they were "massively busy".

Scottish soldiers from the 100-strong A Company of the 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, known as the Highlanders, have joined more than 100 firefighters who are battling the blaze.

The fires have been exacerbated by extremely warm weather, making them more difficult to extinguish.

The UK enjoyed the hottest day of the year on Thursday as the temperature soared to 33C (91.4F).

Porthmadog in Wales reached the sweltering high, beating successive highs since Monday.

Tony Hunter, assistant chief fire officer of GMFRS, said there had been a "significant" improvements in tackling the blaze on Saddleworth Moor.

But Mr Hunter warned that while the fire was now "contained and under control", "things can develop" and if the wind blows the flames back on to the moors it will act as a "fuel source" for the fire.

Mr Hunter said a "significant downpour of rain" would help - but none is forecast for days as the heatwave continues.

The hot weather is expected to continue into the weekend. </s> Firefighters in Greater Manchester are continuing to battle a huge fire on Saddleworth Moor after working through the night to try to control the 6km-long blaze.

Thirty-four homes were evacuated on Tuesday night in Carrbrook, Stalybridge, close to the fire, which has been raging since Sunday between Dovestones reservoir and Buckton Vale. Power to 250 properties in the area was cut overnight “for safety reasons”, according to Electricity North West, but has since been restored.

Two schools nearby have been closed on Wednesday as a safety precaution, Tameside council said.

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Ten fire engines and 50 firefighters were working overnight to contain the blaze, some walking several miles with heavy equipment, said Leon Parkes, the assistant chief fire officer with Greater Manchester fire and rescue service.

“The area is really, really large – it’s a really difficult fire situation because of the size of it.Some of the feedback we’ve received is that it’s over 6km,” he said on Wednesday.



“Clearly the challenges are enormous. We have firefighters working in really hot conditions. They’re doing everything they can to control that fire. As you can appreciate, firefighters will have fire kit on which is heavy, thick, warm – the ground is hot, the smoke coming off the fire is thick.

“The scenes of fire are not where we can access. Some of them are two miles away (from where we can park).”

The fire service planned a “heavy attack” on the fire on Wednesday, he added.

“The plan today is to try and put some resource on the scene, and put a heavy attack on this fire – if that needs military assistance, that’s what we’ll consider,” he said.

He said it had not been established what might have caused the fire.

Play Video 0:31 Firefighters tackle Manchester moorland fire – video

The police have declared the blaze a major incident and said the army was on standby to step in.

The force tweeted: “We are in contact with the army and they are on standby to help if we need them.”

Greater Manchester police declared a major incident as flames crept close to the city’s eastern suburbs, having already devastated surrounding areas of countryside.

Jonny Reynolds, the MP for Stalybridge, described the scenes as “apocalyptic” and “looking like Mordor from Lord of the Rings”.

He said: “It’s pretty worrying stuff. They’re talking about the affected area being 6km wide, which puts it on a scale much beyond what we have seen in the past. We do get moorland fires pretty regularly in Saddleworth – most years there is at least one, but this is much worse. Most people are saying it’s the worst moorland fire we’ve had in living memory. I don’t ever remember schools being closed as a result of a fire.



“Last night it looked apocalyptic with the full moon rising below the hills on fire. It looked like Mordor from Lord of the Rings, really frightening for people.”



The MP warned that the army may need to be deployed soon, particularly if the wind picked up. “If this doesn’t get turned around today we might genuinely be looking at some sort of military resources being deployed to the area,” he said.



“You can’t relax because the weather could reverse the progress the firefighters are making. On Monday, the fire had pretty much gone out but then it reignited in these hot temperatures.”



All residents evacuated on Tuesday night found beds with friends and family, he said. Should more people have to leave their homes and have nowhere to go, emergency shelters would open up, he added.



He praised local people for offering help. Tameside Rocks, a community children’s group that paints rocks and hides them around the borough, has painted a batch to thank the firefighters, while Tesco in Stalybridge has given its entire supply of bottled water to the emergency services, he said.



Health officials had earlier issued advice to people in the Tameside area to stay inside their homes and keep their doors and windows closed in order to deal with the smoke coming from the moor.

Triangle News (@TriangleNewsUK) Incredible timelapse footage of the forest fire in Saddleworth, Manchester has been captured by amateur photographer Tristan Manchester. pic.twitter.com/3Aef8qOcBE

Firefighters were forced to undertake “physically draining” work as a heatwave gripped much of Britain on Tuesday, Greater Manchester fire and rescue service said. They were “faced with very difficult circumstances, intense heat” and were “working on challenging terrain”, added the group manager for Tameside and Stockport, Phil Nelson.

Greater Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, paid tribute to the firefighters.

Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) Huge thanks to the GM firefighters working flat out to contain this worrying situation. If you live in the area, please follow the advice. https://t.co/3Bc1FSLDLl

G M Police (@gmpolice) Dawn over the moors has revealed what we're dealing with...



This morning's view from @gmpolice HQ



Our thoughts are with those affected and @manchesterfire who have worked bravely through the night.



It is going to be a long, hot, smoky day. #Staysafe out there#Moorefires pic.twitter.com/jXH2aATFfE

The fire started late on Sunday evening on land near to Buckton Vale, to the north of Stalybridge. While firefighters were soon able to put it out, “due to the heat, the fire reignited on Tuesday morning”.

Firefighters said the blaze had “devastated a portion of the area near to Buckton Vale”, with about 2 sq km of moorland on fire. They added a “significant amount of low lying smoke has been discharged in the local area”.

G M Police (@gmpolice) We are in contact with the army and they are on standby to help if we need them. Right now support is being given from @CheshireFire and @DerbyshireFRS #Moorlandfires

Public Health England’s north-west office advised motorists who had to travel through the smoke to keep their windows closed, turn off their air conditioning and keep their air vents closed. It said: “If people need to be outdoors, they are advised to avoid areas affected by any smoke or ash, or to limit the time that they spend in them.”



Huge plumes of smoke stretching along moorland could be seen in pictures and footage from near the scenes.

Derbyshire firefighters were also called in to help tackle the blaze on Saddleworth Moor and were seen beating down moorland in images released by the fire service on Monday. The force described it as “hard, hot and exhausting work”, and warned people to be careful while enjoying the outdoors.

Derbyshire FRS (@DerbyshireFRS) A few pictures showing firefighters hard at work using beaters to fight the fire at Tintwistle. It’s hard, hot exhausting work! Please take extra care when out in the countryside - a stray cigarette, a discarded glass bottle, or a spark from a BBQ can all cause untold devastation pic.twitter.com/Tb44M8qctI

Dozens of firefighters had to also tackle a blaze on 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.” </s> About 100 soldiers and an RAF Chinook helicopter are joining the fight against a massive wildfire at Saddleworth Moor that could rage for several weeks.

The troops began arriving Thursday to help exhausted firefighters who have been trying to contain the large and stubborn inferno for five days over difficult terrain and in scorching weather.

It could take days or weeks for the fire in Greater Manchester to be fully extinguished, and there are fears that the blaze could spread further or a dramatic change in winds could push the flames towards homes.

Officials are now hoping for heavy rain amid a UK-wide heatwave that has turned dry land into a tinderbox.

The peat-fuelled blaze between Oldham and Tameside could last weeks if the scorching hot weather continues. There is no rain in the short-term forecast, which calls for wall-to-wall sunshine and daily highs of at least 25C.

More than 100 firefighters have been working rolling 12-hour shifts to tackle the seven square miles of Saddleworth Moor, smouldering with pockets of fire since Sunday.

No casualties have been reported. A sheep has been pictured with severe burns.

Tony Hunter, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service assistant chief fire officer, said what they needed most to put out the blaze was rain.

He said: "We have not seen an indication of any rain coming within the next couple of days stroke weeks, so we can see this being prolonged for days, if not weeks.

"It is dependent on a downpour of rain - and it would have to be a significant downpour of rain because it is so dry it would be absorbed very, very quickly.

"If there is a change in wind to the opposite direction, it is a completely different picture then in terms of the fuel available to this fire."

Mr Hunter said the firefront has widened to between two and two-and-a-half miles in six different locations, and if the wind blows the flames back on to the moors it will act as a "fuel source" for the fire.

He said: "It's extremely deceiving at the moment, it looks like it's smouldering away, which it is doing, but with a pick up of the wind we could see pockets being established - we need to keep on top of it.

"We have got square miles of unburnt fuel up there and if there's a change in wind direction or an increase in temperature we could see that go up."

Problems faced included frequent changes in wind direction, the peat-embedded terrain which requires large quantities of water to extinguish flames and the searing temperatures.

Mr Hunter told reporters at a press conference: "We can see this being prolonged for days if not weeks, particularly with the fact that the wind has drawn the fires towards the residential but actually away from the centre of the moor.

"We only need a change in wind direction to then see that fire increasing into where the greater fuel source is, so we could see a dramatic change."

Firefighters had been working until dusk on Wednesday night and, as it was too dangerous to go on the moors at night while it is on fire, an assessment at first light showed there was no "significant increase".

Mr Hunter said firefighters were "extremely pleased" to see the military, who will provide "effective support and additional resources".

An RAF helicopter is on standby to airlift heavy equipment.

He added: "The moorland is very difficult to access, our 4x4s can do a role but getting heavier equipment is essential for the helicopter."

The troops from the 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland have joined more than 100 firefighters who have been working rolling 12-hour shifts.

The Catterick-based soldiers will operate out of an Army training centre to control the fire by managing water lines and fire beating, among other means of support.

RAF Wing Commander Tony Lane said: "We are here in support of the fire and rescue; there is a finite number of people, they were here yesterday, they have been here for a number of days, so it is actually providing a group of individuals that can provide support.

"We will make sure the soldiers are working alongside the fire and rescue personnel so they are going to be pairing up together.

"I think we are looking at one firefighter to three or four troops, so they can provide extra manpower to go and support them."

Mr Hunter said the soldiers' help would allow the service to keep other fire stations and engines available to deal with emergency calls as the moorland blaze continues

Greater Manchester Police deployed a helicopter to assess the scene and United Utilities provided a helicopter that can be used to drop water on to remote areas.

The impact of one of the worst moorland fires to hit the region could even be seen from space as Nasa satellites picked up the plumes of smoke.

Some 34 households were evacuated in Calico Crescent in the village of Carrbrook, Stalybridge, on Tuesday night but residents were allowed to return after air quality assessments.

Air quality levels in the area are being monitored regularly in different locations with people in affected areas urged to follow advice from Public Health England and keep their windows and doors closed.

Experts warned that high levels of pollutants generated from the blaze could have a significant effect on people's health.

Mr Hunter urged the public to stay updated about the fire: "We did see an increase later on in the day yesterday - so please keep an eye on the conditions. We will do as much as we can to get early warnings out if we see an increase.

"Check on local residents, try to leave access routes to moorland and lanes free for emergency services and check the news."

The cause of the original seat of the fire - thought to be at Buckton Hill, which is land above Buckton Vale, Carrbrook - has not been established but fire chiefs said a detailed investigation would be launched at the appropriate time.

One possible line of inquiry could focus on the frequent gathering of off-road bikers - many not displaying registered plates - at a nearby large quarry.

Dry conditions across the UK have led to a number of wildfires during the hottest June in years.

On Wednesday evening, fire crews were called to a 200m blaze in woodland near Falla Hill Place in Fauldhouse, West Lothian.

Six crews remained at the scene to monitor the area on Thursday morning.

Hot weather is expected to continue for several more days with temperatures possibly hitting 32C on Thursday. </s> About 100 soldiers and an RAF Chinook helicopter are due to arrive in Greater Manchester to help tackle a vast moorland blaze.

The troops from the 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, were being sent overnight to join firefighters across Tameside, on the edge of Saddleworth Moor.

Some 55 firefighters were still trying to quell multiple pockets of flames spanning up to 3.7 miles (6km) on Wednesday night.

The soldiers were heading from their barracks in Catterick and will operate out of an Army training centre to control the fire by managing water lines and fire beating, among other means of support.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said it is a display of British troops protecting the UK "no matter the time, no matter the place, and no matter the problem".

The troops were answering a call for assistance from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).

The Chinook, which will fly out of RAF Odiham, Hampshire, on Thursday morning, will move high-volume pump equipment by air to help douse the flames in difficult to access areas.

Dave Keelan, director of emergency response at GMFRS, had also suggested it could be used to transport firefighters.

He said firefighters were working "extremely hard in really hot conditions" but morale was high, adding: "It's more of a task to get them down here to rest."

Problems faced included frequent changes in wind direction, the peat-embedded terrain which requires large quantities of water to extinguish flames and the searing temperatures.

As of Wednesday lunchtime there were seven separate fire incidents ongoing on areas of the moors, including Calico Crescent, Intake Cottage, Intake Lane, Caste Farm, Dovestones, Higher Swineshaw and Chew Road.

GALLERY: The photos which show the devastation caused by the Saddleworth Moor fire



Firefighters used beaters and specialist wildfire equipment to tackle the flames.

In addition, Greater Manchester Police deployed a helicopter to assess the scene and United Utilities provided a helicopter that can be used to drop water on to remote areas.

The blaze had been brought under control having started on Sunday, but it reignited the next day and has continued in one of the worst moorland fires to hit the region.

The impact could even be seen from space as Nasa satellites picked up the plumes of smoke.

Some 34 households were evacuated in Calico Crescent in the village of Carrbrook, Stalybridge, on Tuesday night but residents were allowed to return after air quality assessments.

Air quality levels in the area are being monitored regularly in different locations with people in affected areas urged to follow advice from Public Health England and keep their windows and doors closed.

Experts warned that high levels of pollutants generated from the blaze could have a significant effect on people's health.

Hugh Coe, professor of atmospheric composition at the University of Manchester, said plume peak concentrations were "very high" and air quality close to the fire was "very poor".

He said pollution plumes have been detected in the centre of Manchester.

Four local schools decided to close on Wednesday for the safety of their pupils but one - Mossley Hollins High - will be open on Thursday as normal.

"The situation in the building and valley has improved," the school said.

No rain is forecast for Tameside for the rest of the week at least.

The cause of the original seat of the fire - thought to be at Buckton Hill, which is land above Buckton Vale, Carrbrook - has not been established but fire chiefs said a detailed investigation would be launched at the appropriate time.

One possible line of inquiry could focus on the frequent gathering of off-road bikers - many not displaying registered plates - at a nearby large quarry. </s> Exhausted firefighters will be helped by 100 soldiers as they tackle a vast moorland blaze in Greater Manchester, which fire chiefs fear will last for several weeks as the scorching weather continues.

The troops from the 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, on Thursday joined more than 100 firefighters who have been working rolling 12-hour shifts to tackle the seven square miles of Saddleworth Moor, smouldering with pockets of fire since Sunday.

An RAF Chinook is also on stand-by should Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) request helicopter help to airlift heavy equipment to high ground on the tinder-dry moors.

Problems faced included frequent changes in wind direction, the peat-embedded terrain that requires large quantities of water to extinguish flames and the searing temperatures.

Fire chiefs revealed on Thursday morning that the operation could last for weeks, amid fears that a change in wind direction could draw flames closer towards residential areas.
Greater Manchester Police declares a major incident as a wildfire continues to spread on Saddleworth Moor, forcing nearby homes to be evacuated. The fire is described as the "biggest in living memory" in the United Kingdom. Army assistance is granted to tackle the blaze.