Major roads were closed off between Oldham and Huddersfield after two blazes broke out on Saddleworth Moor and a further two on nearby Marsden Moor
Huddersfield Road between Delph and Marsden was closed off and masked in smoke(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Four fires erupted on moorlands over Greater Manchester on Tuesday afternoon (April 7), sending plumes of smoke billowing over the region and nearby West Yorkshire.
Major roads were closed off by emergency services, between Oldham and Huddersfield, after two blazes broke out on Saddleworth Moor, and a further two on nearby Marsden Moor.
Fire crews from Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire were called to the separate incidents, with members of the public urged to avoid the area. An urgent evacuation was also put in place, with those out on the moors told to leave immediately amid the major response.
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One of the incidents broke out near to the Pots and Pans monument, close to Uppermill on Tuesday afternoon which took a number of hours to get under control. Roads around the Kiln Green area were blocked off amid the incident.
A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Shortly after 2:20pm this afternoon (Tuesday 7 March), five fire engines were called to a moorland fire at Knowl Top Lane in Uppermill, Oldham.
“Firefighter crews arrived quickly at the scene to tackle the blaze. Crews remain in attendance and are using specialist equipment, including a forced air fan unit, to contain the fire.
“Firefighters have been in attendance for around three hours and 15 minutes and are still at the scene, working with colleagues from the National Trust to make the area safe.”
A separate fire was also being tackled near to Holmfirth Road, which was completely closed off from Greenfield. The fire service urged local residents to keep their windows and doors closed. A statement read: “Our crews are tackling a large fire on Saddleworth Moor near Greenfield. Please avoid the area while crews tackle the blaze. Residents are advised to keep doors and windows closed.”
Pictures also taken from Huddersfield Road showed smoke masking the area. This was due to two separate fires on Marsden Moor, closer to Marsden and Huddersfield areas. Police were seen in attendance along with fire crews from the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The two blazes prompted an urgent evacuation order to be put in place. They had broken out near the Deer Hill and the Five Mile Post areas.
“We are asking all members of the public to stay away from Marsden Moors. Anyone currently on the moors is advised to leave the area as soon as possible,” a statement read. “Road closures are expected in surrounding areas while fire crews from across West Yorkshire respond to this wildfire.
“10 crews remain at both scenes on Marsden Moor, covering Deer Hill and the Five Mile Post areas, supported by specialist wildfire teams.”
