This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-44634023
The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Saddleworth Moor fire: Army called in to tackle blaze | Saddleworth Moor fire: Army called in to tackle blaze |
(35 minutes later) | |
The Army has been called in to help battle a huge moorlands fire which has been raging for three days. | The Army has been called in to help battle a huge moorlands fire which has been raging for three days. |
The blaze covers 3.7miles (6km) of Saddleworth Moor and prompted firefighters to evacuate about 50 homes. | The blaze covers 3.7miles (6km) of Saddleworth Moor and prompted firefighters to evacuate about 50 homes. |
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it had asked for military assistance. | Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it had asked for military assistance. |
One resident described seeing "ash falling like rain" and another said it "looked like the apocalypse". | One resident described seeing "ash falling like rain" and another said it "looked like the apocalypse". |
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Dave Keelan said: "We have been liaising with a military advisor on the scene and following those discussions we have requested military assistance from the Ministry of Defence." | Assistant Chief Fire Officer Dave Keelan said: "We have been liaising with a military advisor on the scene and following those discussions we have requested military assistance from the Ministry of Defence." |
A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said the fire service had approached them "as a priority" and the MoD was "looking into what might be done." | A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said the fire service had approached them "as a priority" and the MoD was "looking into what might be done." |
The fire began on Sunday night, reignited on Monday during the hot weather and then spread throughout Tuesday, fanned by evening winds. | The fire began on Sunday night, reignited on Monday during the hot weather and then spread throughout Tuesday, fanned by evening winds. |
About 150 people were forced to leave their homes, with many staying with family and friends. The majority had returned by Wednesday afternoon. | |
More than 70 firefighters are battling the flames, but the effort has been hampered by winds and extremely dry conditions. | |
Mr Keelan said: "There's still a lot of smoke from the fire but air quality levels are being monitored regularly. Air quality is currently at a safe level and therefore residents have been let back into their homes. | |
"We don't know the cause at this stage and it would be very difficult to ascertain due to the extent of the damage, but we will be looking into that once we have tackled the fire." |