Fighting fire with fire on Saddleworth Moor
FIREMEN are considering deliberately igniting sections of Saddleworth Moor to create breaks to stop the fires that have put the Manchester area under a toxic cloud of smoke and ash.
As the fire entered a fifth day, soldiers from 4th Bn the Royal Regiment of Scotland and an RAF Chinook helicopter were sent to help emergency teams fight the flames.
Last night the fire had spread over seven square miles of moorland, with fears that industrial pollution trapped in burning peat could be released, affecting thousands of people. The National Fire Chiefs Council Wildfire Group said it was considering “defensive burning” to bring the fire under control. The Army might be asked to create trenches around the perimeter of the fire to stop further spreading, a tactic used to fight wildfires in Scotland.
Tony Hunter, of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, said he had seen “significant improvements” but warned that extinguished patches could easily flare up again. If the wind changed direction the remaining moor could catch, with fires lasting for weeks.
He said heavy rain was needed to saturate the dry ground – but none is forecast for days. Even if it did rain, experts warned the underground peat may keep smouldering, releasing industrial pollution that could cause health issues.
Prof Vincent Gauci, an ecologist at The Open University, said: “The proximity of peatlands to centres of populations means there’s potential for poor air quality to affect tens of thousands.”
GPS said patients reported bleeding noses, sore eyes and chest problems. Dr Richard Bircher, of Lockside Medical Centre in Stalybridge, said half the emergency appointments booked yesterday were from patients reporting smoke-related issues.
Yesterday residents evacuated from their homes in the region were allowed back but advised to wear face masks, stay indoors and keep windows closed.
Farmers have been battling to save animals from the flames. James Crother, 30, of Upperwood Farm in Oldham, fought through the blaze with family, friends and sheepdogs to move more than 3,000 sheep to safety. Hebelieves many animals may have perished.
Last night fire crews were called to a separate moorland blaze in the North West on Winter Hill, in Rivington near Bolton, Lancashire. Seven fire engines from Greater Manchester initially went to the scene, along with five from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, when the fire started shortly before 3.30pm.