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Trafford Council temporarily bans barbecues, fireworks and more at key local attraction after Dovestone fires

Don't be tempted by a little disposable.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 14th July 2026

Trafford Council has issued a limited ban on barbecues, fireworks and more at the beloved public attraction and suburban hotspot, Sale Water Park, following the fires near Dovestone Reservoir.

Wildfires and areas of concern remain around the moorland region, which caught fire last weekend.

After a woman was arrested as part of a wider investigation into a group that accidentally caused the ignition, accidental or not, the Greater Manchester borough’s local authority has temporarily restricted BBQs, fireworks, and any other kinds of naked flame.

This is a proactive and preventive measure by the Council in an effort to avoid similar circumstances as those seen in the Saddleworth and Oldham vicinity, with the sight and smell of the smoke still lingering across the region.

As explained in the official update from Trafford Council, while local residents and tourists alike are welcome to bring picnics and cold beverages as they hope to both beat and enjoy the heat, a serious fire risk is still very much present.

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Implementing the ban across Sale Water Park in an effort to protect native visitors, wildlife and nearby communities, increased police patrols will be dispatched across the 152-acre patch of grasslands and artificial lake.

While the Manc nature reserve and popular slice of countryside just beyond the outskirts of the city centre will still be open from “dawn until dusk” throughout the week, security staff will also be on site, ready on standby with water and sand available to safely extinguish any fires.

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The Council has also reminded people to park responsibly and avoid blocking access routes in and around the parkland, as recent busy periods during the ongoing UK heatwave have led to congestion in and around the park, which can also delay emergency vehicles.

Visitors are encouraged to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport where possible.

A Trafford Council spokesperson said in an official statement: “We want everyone to enjoy Sale Water Park safely. However, the current hot and dry conditions mean there is an increased risk of fire, particularly from barbecues, fireworks and naked flames.

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“This temporary restriction is a proportionate step to protect people, wildlife and the park itself. Visitors are very welcome to bring cold picnics, but we are asking everyone not to bring or light barbecues while the restriction is in place.

“We’re also asking visitors to park considerately, keep access routes clear and take litter home if bins are full. To avoid the busiest times, people could consider visiting before 9am or later in the evening.”

As for the Dovestone and Tintwistle Moor blaze, the latest is that a suspect’s identity has now been revealed; you can find out more down below.

Woman, 20, publicly named and charged with aggravated arson in relation to Dovestone moorland fire

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Namiras1 (via Wikimedia Commons)/The Manc Group

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Woman, 20, publicly named and charged with aggravated arson in relation to Dovestone moorland fire

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Fire at Dovestone Reservoir

A woman who was arrested on suspicion of arson as part of the ongoing investigation into a large moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir has now been charged.

She has also been publicly named as 20-year-old Shania Care-Slede, from Hyde.

She has been charged with aggravated arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and dangerous driving, and has been remanded in custody before appearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court today (14 July 2026).

After the blaze broke out on Saturday evening at the popular beauty spot in Oldham, prompting a major multi-agency response that has now entered its third day, fire crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have been working around the clock in challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the moorland.

Specialist wildfire resources, command support units, drone technology, and partner agencies have also been deployed as operations continue across multiple sectors of the incident.

To make matters worse, ‘strong’ winds carried smoke across parts of Greater Manchester – with reports of haze and the smell of burning being received from areas well beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire.

Residents affected by smoke are advised to keep windows and doors closed where possible.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says its officers are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry and are seeking to identify any other individuals who may have been involved.

Woman arrested on suspicion of arson over moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir

“While we have secured charges against one individual, our investigation remains ongoing,” explained Detective Inspector Andrew Day. “Detectives are carefully reviewing all available evidence to identify anyone else who may have been involved in criminality linked to this incident.”

As criminal proceedings are now active, GMP says it would encourage people to ‘avoid speculation’ online, particularly on social media.

Read more:

Anyone with footage or information that may assist the ongoing investigation can submit it via the Dovestone Fire Evidence Submission Portal here.

Featured Image – GMFRS

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The UK’s ‘fastest-growing ultra’ run that’s the perfect beginners race and less than 90 minutes from Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones 13 Valleys Ultra trail running race Lake District

Dubbed as the UK’s ‘fastest-growing ultra’ run, not to mention perfect for beginners looking to get into the craze, and its picturesque setting is located more than an hour and a half away in the Lakes.

Revolving around one of Britain’s most beautiful National Parks, you can get there in less than 90 minutes, and it’s also easily reachable via public transport if you’re willing to make the journey.

Let’s be honest, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys running long distances, a few hours on trains and buses is a drop in the ocean.

Founded in 2023, the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra over in the Lake District has seen a bigger attendance every year, with a 60% increase in registrations year-on-year, and with such stunning scenery to take in whilst trekking through the hills, it’s no wonder.

Some of the best vistas in ultra running

The trail and ultra marathon phenomenon is one that, rather fittingly, looks to be constantly on the up, with seemingly a huge uptake not just here in Greater Manchester but across the country in general.

A great sport to take up early and often turned to later in life, the benefits go without saying; then, taking into account events in places as gorgeous as this World UNESCO Heritage Site, it’s no wonder this particular race is seeing even bigger crowds.

Ticking off famous Wainwrights and other bucket list destinations like Borrowdale, Buttermere, Coniston, Langdale and Ullswater; the Theatre finish line at Keswick, and of course, Windermere, plenty simply turn to the 13 Valleys Ultra for the views and accessibility – especially if you live here in the North West.

We don’t need to tell you how jaw-dropping the Cumbrian landscape can be at times, but the promotion hosted by beloved running brand Altra really has put together a wonderful whirlwind tour of the region that you can enjoy on foot.

lake district trail running events
Credit: Press shot (supplied via Altra/Get the Affect)

Now into its fourth year, with people already gearing up for 2027, too, it’s fair to say that this is fast becoming one of the most in-demand trail races on the national circuit and endurance calendar.

Speaking to The Manc, Event Director Colin Murphy told us: “Not everyone wants to tackle 100 miles, and that’s exactly why the 2 Valleys has become such an exciting part of the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra weekend.

“It’s an adventure that’s within reach for so many people, runners and walkers alike, giving them the chance to experience the incredible Lake District, soak up the event atmosphere and challenge themselves in a completely new way. We want people to realise that ultra and trail events aren’t just for elite athletes; the 2 Valleys proves there’s a place for everyone on the start line.’”

That being said, walkers are also welcome, of course, and they also have shorter variations for those just starting out on the trail scene or looking for an easier race, but we’ll get on to that in a minute…

We’re always blown away by the people who can add elevation into already big enough tests; for instance, this bloke is taking on the biggest mountain in England as part of a wider charity challenge.

Staggering stuff.

A baker’s dozen – or even just a pair

It’s worth noting that you don’t need to do the ‘full thing’, as the organisers offer four different routes when it comes to length, with total distances ranging from 22 kilometres and going all the way up to a whopping 180km. Gulp.

George Thorpe – long-distance runner, 33, who is taking on the 2026 challenge – is following in his fiancée and former participant’s footsteps, insisting that running has shown him he’s “stronger than I ever imagined”, while also providing an escape into nature, improving mental wellbeing and introducing him to a supportive community that encourages everyone to achieve more than they think possible.

The 22k/half-marathon version is a super popular choice, having already sold 70% of their entire allocation for this year, as you get a little bit of everything: an ideal intro to trail running, a mix of road and trail, the scenic course, a great crowd of mixed abilities, and once again, walking is encouraged.

So whether you’re an ultra-marathon addict, a runner looking to make things up, or just a rambler looking to cop a medal for your next outing, you can find out more about the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra, see if any of them suit you, and sign up for the 2026 edition right HERE.

13 Valleys Ultra trail run Lakes
Credit: Supplied

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Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Get the Affect)

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