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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Ashlie Blakey

If you see smoke or flames on Saddleworth Moor today, don't worry - fires are being started on purpose

Fire bosses are telling people not to worry if they see smoke or flames on Saddleworth Moor today - as controlled burning is carried out.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed there would be planned fires today (Friday).

The process involves deliberately starting fires under controlled conditions to clear out low-lying flammable material and maintain the health of the moorland.

GMFRS bosses have urged people not be alarmed if they see smoke or flames on land in Tameside and Saddleworth.

They also advised people not to call 999 - unless there is a genuine emergency.

In a tweet, the fire service said: "We are aware of controlled burning taking place on moorland in the Tameside/Saddleworth areas.

"Please do not be alarmed and please do not call 999 unless it is an emergency."

It comes after catastrophic fires across Saddleworth Moor for more than three weeks between June and July in 2018.

Hundreds of firefighters worked alongside soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Crews also spent 41 days tackling a huge blaze on Winter Hill in Bolton in June, which damaged around 4,000 acres of land.

In 2019, six moorland fires broke out in April in the land between Diggle, Denshaw and Delph, near Saddleworth, Marsden Moor in West Yorkshire, Tintwistle in Derbyshire, Uppermill in Oldham and in Shaw Moor, Stalybridge.

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It emerged that people had been setting off fireworks on the moors.

Oldham and Tameside councils approved public space protection orders (PSPOs) following the fires, which cover the moors above the boroughs and those that span across Marsden Moor.

The orders prevent people from taking barbecues, fireworks and sky lanterns onto the land.

Anyone found with these items could be fined £100.

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