Dovestone Reservoir Fire Today: Major Moorland Blaze Continues as Arson Charge Filed and Firefighters Battle Hotspots
Get the latest updates on the Dovestone Reservoir fire today as firefighters continue tackling the major moorland wildfire near Saddleworth. Find out about road closures, smoke warnings, the police investigation, and the latest developments.
Dovestone Reservoir Fire Today: Latest Updates
A major wildfire at Dovestone Reservoir in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester, continues to demand a significant emergency response as firefighters work around the clock to extinguish lingering hotspots. The blaze, which began on the evening of July 11, has scorched large areas of moorland, prompted a major incident declaration, and spread smoke across much of Greater Manchester.
Authorities have urged residents and visitors to avoid the area while emergency crews remain on scene. The difficult terrain, strong winds, and prolonged dry conditions have made firefighting operations particularly challenging.
Firefighters Continue Large-Scale Response
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has deployed a substantial number of resources to tackle the wildfire, including:
- More than 70 firefighters
- Multiple fire engines
- Specialist wildfire response units
- Drone surveillance teams
- Command support vehicles
- Off-road firefighting equipment
Crews continue to establish firebreaks, extinguish hotspots, and monitor areas vulnerable to flare-ups as weather conditions remain unpredictable. Officials say firefighting efforts could continue until the fire is fully contained.
Smoke Affecting Greater Manchester
Smoke from the Dovestone Reservoir wildfire has drifted across Greater Manchester, creating hazy skies and causing a strong smell of burning in numerous communities.
Health officials advise residents in smoke-affected areas to:
- Stay indoors whenever possible.
- Keep doors and windows closed.
- Limit strenuous outdoor activities.
- Monitor updates from emergency services.
Smoke has also combined with haze from other regional wildfires, reducing air quality in several locations.
Police Investigation Leads to Arson Charge
Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation after reports that fireworks may have been used shortly before the wildfire started.
A 20-year-old woman has now been charged with aggravated arson and dangerous driving in connection with the incident. Police have stressed that investigations remain ongoing and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with video footage to come forward. Authorities have not publicly confirmed that fireworks were the direct cause of the blaze, and inquiries continue.
Why the Fire Spread So Quickly
Experts say several factors contributed to the rapid spread of the wildfire, including:
- Exceptionally dry vegetation
- High summer temperatures
- Strong winds
- Difficult moorland terrain
- Limited vehicle access
The UK’s recent heatwave has left large areas of moorland highly vulnerable to ignition, increasing wildfire risks across England and Wales.
Road Closures and Public Safety
Emergency services continue to restrict access to areas surrounding Dovestone Reservoir to ensure firefighters can work safely.
Visitors are advised not to travel to the reservoir until restrictions are lifted. Authorities warn that entering the affected area could interfere with emergency operations and place people at unnecessary risk.
Environmental Impact
The wildfire has burned valuable moorland habitat that supports wildlife and plays an important role in water catchment for the surrounding region.
Environmental agencies will assess the full ecological impact once the fire has been completely extinguished, with restoration efforts expected to take months or longer in the most heavily damaged areas.
Current Situation
As of the latest updates:
- Firefighters remain on scene.
- Hotspots continue to be extinguished.
- Smoke remains visible across parts of Greater Manchester.
- Road closures are still in effect.
- Police investigations into the fire continue alongside firefighting operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Dovestone Reservoir fire still burning today?
Yes. Firefighters remain at the scene tackling hotspots and monitoring the affected moorland while working to fully contain the wildfire.
What caused the Dovestone Reservoir fire?
The official cause has not been confirmed. Police are investigating the incident, and a woman has been charged with aggravated arson in connection with the wildfire. Authorities have not confirmed whether reported fireworks directly caused the blaze.
Is Dovestone Reservoir closed?
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area due to emergency operations, with road closures remaining in place.
Why is there smoke across Greater Manchester?
Smoke from the Dovestone wildfire, together with smoke from other nearby moorland fires, has drifted across the region because of changing wind conditions.
Are firefighters still working at the scene?
Yes. Specialist wildfire crews continue working around the clock to extinguish hotspots, contain the blaze, and prevent further spread.