People seen lighting BBQs near moorland fires

Visitors have been lighting BBQs near the sites of major moorland fires, firefighters in Greater Manchester have said.

As work continues in Dove Stone and Swineshaw as part of the ongoing response to the fires, firefighters have attended a small fire on the moors linked to camping.

Preventable fires risk diverting firefighters, vehicles and equipment away from the ongoing response, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said.

The warning comes as the service is preparing to reduce the number of crews it has at the site overnight.

A GMFRS spokesperson said the national teams that had been on hand to support the service had "now been released", though some specialists remained to support the continued effort.

"Current plans are to maintain resources through the week and into the weekend, with ongoing dry weather continuing to present operational challenges," they added.

People have been told to stay away from affected moorland areas and not to light BBQs, campfires or any other open flames.

In hot weather, GMFRS advised visitors to other outdoor areas to:

• Act responsibly on the moors - no BBQs, fires, or fireworks
• Dispose of all your rubbish correctly, do not litter
• If you see a fire, call 999 and ask for the fire service
• Anonymously report deliberate fire-setting to FireStoppers

It also warned that starting a fire could result in a fine or prison sentence, or both.

GMFRS recommended people who lived in a rural area or an area prone to grass or wildfires should check their property and surroundings for fire hazards and manage vegetation, to reduce the risk of a fire spreading to the property.

Crews in the ongoing multi-agency response had been working in difficult conditions to bring both fires under control, said GMFRS.

They created additional firebreaks to limit the spread of the fires, while helicopter support carried out water drops and aerial surveys.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advised residents to avoid areas affected by smoke from the wildfire where possible and if smoke was visible in your area, to stay indoors with doors and windows closed.

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