Fire destroys moorland size of 1,250 football pitches

Wildfires across Greater Manchester and Derbyshire have burned hundreds of hectares of moorland equivalent to the size of 1,250 football pitches, the landowner has said.

Firefighters are warning "people must stay away" from the area, adding that they had already seen visitors lighting barbecues there this weekend.

More than 100 firefighters and volunteers are fighting the blaze on two fronts at Dove Stone, after the fire in Saddleworth merged with a pre-existing fire at Tintwistle, and at Swineshaw.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "People must stay away from affected moorland areas and must not light BBQs, campfires or any other open flames."

Landowner United Utilities (UU) said: "At present, the fires have burnt a total of 885 hectares of precious moorland, equivalent to 1,250 football pitches."

A spokesperson said the firm continued to work with GMFRS, Greater Manchester Police, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue, the RSPB and Mountain Rescue "to tackle wildfires at Dovestone and Tintwistle".

"This includes the deployment of specialist teams and equipment, such as helicopters and all-terrain vehicles, to help extinguish the blaze," they added.

UU said it was urging members of the public to follow the advice given by the fire service and "stay away from the affected moorland areas".

In an update on Saturday afternoon, GMFRS said: "Our firefighters continue to tackle two major moorland fires at Swineshaw and Dovestones.

"This weekend, we have already seen people visiting the area and lighting BBQs.

"People must stay away from affected moorland areas and must not light BBQs, campfires or any other open flames."

Chief Fire Officer Dave Russel said on Friday the scale of the wildfire was "vast".

He said it was a "physically demanding and incredibly challenging environment" for firefighters, adding that they had been working 24/7 and "their professionalism, as always is first class".

Fire broke out at Dove Stone Reservoir on 11 July.

Shania Care-Slede, 20, of Market Street, Hyde, has been charged with aggravated arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and dangerous driving. She is due to appear in court on 18 August.

Two others, a man in his 20s and a woman, 19, who were arrested on suspicion of arson on Thursday and Friday, have since been bailed, Greater Manchester Police said.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.