Greater Manchester moor fires continue despite rain, firefighters persist

Major moorland wildfires have burned across the uplands above Greater Manchester since July 11, affecting areas near Dovestone Reservoir in Greenfield, the Swineshaw moor near Glossop, and the Tintwistle area. The combined blaze area is estimated at the size of 1,250 football pitches and has forced the closure of the A628 Woodhead Pass.

Rainfall has dampened the moorlands but has not extinguished the fires, which remain a declared major incident. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service are coordinating the response, with GMFRS Head of Response Ben Levy praising firefighters’ resilience and urging residents to avoid the affected zones and keep windows closed if smoke penetrates homes. The operation continues across multiple sectors, supported by national resilience resources and partner agencies.