A Greater Manchester Fire Service has slammed 'thoughtless and irresponsible' people who started a fire in a moorland with a disposable BBQ. It is the latest in a series of fires on moorland around Oldham in recent weeks, as temperatures have risen.
The Oldham fire team said they were called last night (July 18) to a fire caused by a disposable BBQ in Oldham moorland. Pictures showed crews working through the night tackling the blaze with the moorland and trees well alight.
The crew posted this on their social media, branding anyone who has a fire on moorland as 'thoughtless'. They said: "Crews from Oldham were out again last night dealing with a fire in moorland caused by a disposable BBQ. Fortunately our crews were able to bring the fire under control by this morning.
READ MORE: Tragedy of boy, 15, found by his mum after he didn't come home from football
"Having a BBQ (or any fire) on the moors is thoughtless & irresponsible in this extreme weather."
Area Manager at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Paul Fearnhead, has asked people to be responsible on vulnerable moorland. He said: "These images show what our crews are facing daily, please act responsibly to lower the risk to our open spaces and moorlands."
Oldham Council also criticised those responsible. They said: "Firefighters are facing this daily, please act responsibly to lower the risk to our open spaces and moorlands. If you do spot a wildfire, get to a safe place, call 999 and ask for the Fire Service."
This is the second moorland fire in Oldham in recent weeks. Crews from Oldham Tweeted yesterday that they had spent the morning tackling a blaze at Dovestone reservoir. This followed an appeal by police after a series of fires in the area between July 10 and 12.
There were believed to have been at least five separate incidents. Cops said the fires could have been 'devastating' and have reminded people that a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is in place, covering Saddleworth Moor. It is a criminal offence to start fires in the area, including lighting barbecues.
Superintendent Phillip Hutchinson, of GMP Oldham district, said in a statement over the weekend: "Enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible for starting these fires which could have had a devastating impact on the land, the wildlife and residents who live in the surrounding area. I ask anyone with information to share it with us as soon as possible."
Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue are due to make a joint statement on these recent incidents later this afternoon.
Read more of today's top stories here.
READ NEXT:
-
LIVE: Manchester train services not running due to intense heat amid warning over water usage
-
Mum kept toddler fed, cool and entertained for just 95p - all thanks to Ikea
-
'Wonderful' mum dies in freak accident celebrating son's 21st birthday
-
Moment unarmed officers take down gunman as children play out on streets nearby
