Huge plumes of smoke were seen for miles on Sunday afternoon after a fire broke out in a north Manchester park. Roaring flames began to take hold of the dry ground at Moston Vale, beside Moston and Harpurhey.
Dramatic pictures from the scene show firefighters tackling the blaze, with thick clouds of smoke reportedly seen from as far as Oldham and from New Islington. It has been confirmed that the fire started on rubber matting that vehicles drive on, just metres away from the Greater Manchester Police headquarters.
Fire crews and police attended the scene, just off Potters Lane, shortly after 3pm. The cause of the blaze is not yet known but Greater Manchester Police have been approached for further information.
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The scorched area was around 10 metres squared in size. It comes as the region enjoyed dry weather conditions, and temperatures of around 20 degrees throughout most of the day.
A spokesperson for GMFRS said: “At approximately 3.10pm firefighters were called to reports of a fire on Potters Lane, in Manchester. One fire engine from Blackley quickly attended the scene. The fire involved rubber matting in a grass area, measuring approximately 10m by 10m.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one hose reel to extinguish the fire. Fire crews remain in attendance at this time.” Greater Manchester Police have been approached for further information on the cause of the incident.
Local Harpurhey councillor Pat Karney added: "I am very concerned to hear of the huge fire in Moston Vale. These can be very dangerous events particularly in the dry hot weather. We are checking with the authorities to check what has gone on."
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