Fire crews in 24-hour battle with moor fire
FIREFIGHTERS spent almost 24 hours battling a moorland blaze in Littleborough.
The fire broke out at Blackstone Edge on Tuesday afternoon and covered an area of two square kilometres.
Initially fire crews from Rochdale, Hollinwood, Chadderton, Hollins and Oldham were called to the scene.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said on Twitter at 5pm: “Our firefighters are at the scene of another #moorland fire – this time in #Littleborough, #Rochdale.
“Large quantities of smoke have led to road closures in the area around #HalifaxRoad – please avoid if you can.”
Throughout the night the operation was reduced and by Wednesday just one crew from Whitefield remained at the blaze, before the fire was eventually extinguished at about 1pm
Halifax Road, in Littleborough, was shut in both directions between Canal Street and Turvin Road, in Ripponden while the fire was raging.
It led to heavy traffic on surrounding roads and drivers were advised to avoid the area if at all possible.
Last night smoke could be seen billowing across the hills after grass caught fire at Fence Nook, near to the Moorcock Inn, on Halifax Road.
Images shared on social media on Wednesday morning show a large section of the moorland smouldering.
Speaking on Wednesday morning a spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Through the night we reduced it to just one pump from Whitefield.
“Whitefield are still there at the moment, the incident has not been closed.”
Firefighters have been tackling several moorland fires across the region due to the hot weather.
Crews from Greater Manchester and Lancashire are still tackling blazed on Winter Hill and Saddleworth Moor.
The fire is the latest in a string a moorland fires across the region in the past three weeks.