Fire services rushed to the blaze on Saturday evening (July 11)
Furious locals have slammed youngsters who allegedly let off fireworks shortly before a huge wildfire broke out near Dovestone reservoir.
Dozens of firefighters have today (Monday) spent another day battling to bring under control the blaze on the steep moorland surrounding the popular beauty spot near Saddleworth, which has been burning since Saturday evening (July 11).
Nearby residents have reported hearing ‘bangs’ so loud they thought they were gunshots shortly before fire crews first arrived at 8:45pm.
They then saw the sky being lit up by fireworks during what one onlooker described as a ‘Universal Studios style display.’
Videos of youths apparently setting fireworks in the area have also been shared on social media. One clip shows a young woman holding a rocket launcher as a firework explodes out from it.
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A firework then appears to spark a blaze in dry grasses, before a group of bystanders run over to the smoking section of moorland. In another video recorded shortly afterwards, flames can be seen quickly spreading across a hillside.
It is understood youths gathered in tribute to a teenager who tragically lost his life in the reservoir on Friday night (June 10). Karl Holland, 18, died after getting into difficulties in the water, with his body sadly recovered from the scene later.
The fire service have yet to comment on the cause of the fire which they say is currently under investigation.
Councillor Keiron Lawrence, the Reform UK councillor for Ashton Hurst, said the ‘reckless’ videos were being reviewed with ‘some of those responsible identified.’
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) this afternoon confirmed a 20 year-old woman had been arrested on suspicion of arson as part of the investigation. She remains in custody for questioning.
As smoke continued to billow out across the moors today and fire crews spent hours using various means to try and bring it under control in tinder-dry, sweltering conditions, residents living nearby shared their sadness, bafflement and anger at what had unfolded.
“It’s crazy,” one woman, who did not want to be named, said. ”Absolutely baffling. I cannot even begin to fathom or understand it. There are signs everywhere saying ‘no fireworks.’
“What part of that don’t they understand? People need to be more careful and use their brains a bit more. I don’t think they understand the potential consequences of their actions.
“It might seem like a small thing, but it can have a big impact. It was very bad on Saturday and into Sunday. There was a big red line on the hillside. I just feel sorry for the firefighters having to fight it in this weather.”
A neighbour said it was akin to a ‘Universal Studios style display’ which he claimed ‘went on for about 20 minutes.’
“I thought it was gunshots at first,” he said. “Then I went to my bedroom and saw bright fire bursts. It was like an audition for Dante’s Inferno.”
He claimed social media had put the previously ‘hidden gem’ area ‘on the map’ but was now ‘perpetuating anti-social behaviour.
’He said those responsible had endangered firefighters’ health and safety’ adding he was ‘devastated’ at the impact on the countryside and wildlife. “It’s very sad,” he said.
“I don’t think there’s any point in getting angry, we need to get smarter” as he called for the introduction of a park ranger in the area.”
Rob, who lives in Greenfield, said: “It’s mental. Just stupid. I know what they were trying to achieve, but I’m not sure what they expected to happen with the conditions tinder-dry like this.” He said the recurring fires were also becoming a big frustration to locals.
“If it’s an accident, then accidents happen. But when people are bringing barbecues up there and things like that, it’s ridiculous.”
“What else can we do?” he asked. “We can’t shut it off as that’s not what it’s about. Some people are just so selfish though.”
A woman who also lives in the village said it was ‘very sad for those who lost their friend’ but said those who let off the fireworks ‘had obviously not thought about what they were doing.’
She said residents in the village had been left facing ‘constant sirens and smoke’ from the fire.
“I feel like we’re getting used to it. It has happened that often” she said. “But it seems to have gotten worse in the last five years or so. I’m not sure what, or by who, but I feel like more needs to be done.”
A neighbour labelled the setting off of the fireworks as ‘disgraceful.
“We have all seen the footage” she said. “We were aware of it quite quickly. There’s a lot of anger,” she said.
She had been left unable to go outside in her garden and was left worrying if her children’s school may have to be closed due to the smoke, she added.
Councillor Jake Frater, who represents Dukinfield and Stalybridge, said he had provided a dossier of evidence to police and that he was ‘ sick of seeing the same destruction every summer.’
“Earlier today, I made contact with Greater Manchester Police and provided all of the information we have gathered so far, including videos and photographs” he said in a statement shared on social media.
“In total, there are over 40 pieces of media, and GMP are carrying out a thorough investigation. That is what real community teamwork looks like. Absolutely outstanding from every single one of you. Thank you.
“I sincerely hope this investigation results in everyone responsible being identified and held fully accountable for the damage they have caused across Greater Manchester. Actions have consequences, and those responsible should face them.
“We also need to start looking at what more can be done to prevent this from happening year after year. I’m sick of seeing the same destruction every summer, with wildlife and habitats devastated, public money spent on repairs, and residents forced to keep their windows shut during hot weather because smoke is affecting their health. This cannot just become another annual occurrence. We have to do better.”
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News at the scene on Monday afternoon, Ben Levy, Head of Response for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue (GMFRS), said he was aware wildfires were a ‘problem’ and a ‘nuisance’ for those living in the local area as he pledged to bring it under control ‘as quickly as possible.’
He said that ‘we investigate the cause of every fire and that normally starts from the moment we arrive.’
“Our priority now is bringing this fire under control and the safety of our firefighters,” he said. He said they would be working with partner agencies such as the police and that once a cause had been established they would ‘see what that means to us.’
Asked about the social media footage, he said: “People will have seen that footage and it’s quite unusual fireworks out on the moors, what is more common is fires started by the likes of disposable barbecues, people smoking and small campfires” he said.
However he said the ground was ‘tinder-dry’ and that ‘fireworks on dry moors are as much of a no-no as barbecues and small fires in the open.’
“If that becomes a line of our investigation that will be so” he said. “But at the moment, our priority is the safety of our firefighters whilst they’re on the moors fighting this fire.”
In a statement confirming the arrest of the woman, Detective Inspector Andrew Day from GMP’s Oldham CID said: “We are aware of social media posts circulating regarding this incident and would like to stress that this is a live police investigation.
“We would encourage people to stop speculating regarding this and if you do have information, please report it to ourselves.
Saddleworth Neighbourhood Sergeant Andy Holian added: “Officers would like to thank all emergency services who have dealt with and continue to deal with this incident. In particular, our colleagues at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
“Firefighters have been working tirelessly in extremely challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread, with strong winds adding to an already difficult situation.
“They are putting themselves at risk to protect our communities, the environment and local wildlife, and they deserve our utmost respect and support.”
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