Firefighters continue to tackle moorland fire at Dovestones Reservoir amid ‘strong’ winds

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Fire at Dovestone Reservoir

Firefighters are continuing to tackle a large moorland fire near Dovestones Reservoir.

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 second 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 yesterday 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.

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GMFRS say firefighters ‘remain focused’ on limiting the spread of the blaze while protecting the surrounding landscape and supporting ongoing operations in ‘difficult’ terrain.

“Members of the public are asked to avoid the area where possible to allow emergency services and partner agencies to carry out their work safely,” GMFRS said in a statement as firefighters remained at the scene overnight.

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As operations continue, the fire service has issued another safety warning, urging people not to use disposable barbecues, light campfires or set off fireworks on or near moorland.

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“In the current dry conditions, even a small spark can quickly develop into a significant fire,” their plea concluded.

Featured Image – GMFRS

Urgent open water safety appeal issued after teen tragically dies in Dovestone Reservoir

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A new open water safety appeal has been issued after the body of a teenager was recovered from Dovestone Reservoir.

At around 7pm last Friday evening (10 July 2026), emergency services responded to an incident at popular beauty spot Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham, and upon arrival, they located a man, confirmed to be 18 years of age, unresponsive in the water.

The body was recovered from the water, but despite the best efforts of medical professionals, the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A scene remains in place and enquiries are ongoing, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Speaking on the tragic situation, Detective Inspector Steven Horton, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “We have tragically recovered the body of an 18-year-old man from the water and are conducting extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances.

“Our thoughts remain with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is also urging parents and guardians to remind their children about the dangers of swimming and jumping into open water during the hot weather and summer months.  

One of the most common dangers is cold water shock, as even on warm days, cold water can quickly overwhelm the body, and hidden hazards below the water’s surface can also place people in danger within seconds.  

Anyone who finds themselves getting into difficulty in the water is urged to put their head back with their ears submerged, relax and try to breathe normally, and move their hands to help them stay afloat, remembering that it’s okay if your legs sink as ‘we all float differently’, GMFRS says.

“You can spread your arms and legs to improve stability,” the fire service added in its appeal.

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GMP echoed that the public’s safety is ‘our priority’, adding: “Please look after yourselves and enjoy the weather safely.”

Featured Image – Steve Bate (via Flickr)

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