Wildfires still burning after more than two weeks

Wildfires across Greater Manchester are still burning a fortnight after they first started, the fire service has said.

More than 100 firefighters and volunteers have been tackling the blaze on two fronts at Dove Stone, after the fire in Saddleworth merged with a fire at Tintwistle, and at Swineshaw.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said specialists from across the UK had been drafted in to control any remaining hotspots.

The fires in Greater Manchester and Derbyshire have burned hundreds of hectares of moorland, equivalent to the size of 1,250 football pitches, the landowner has said.

The fire service said light rainfall and mist had dampened the moorlands, but the fires had not been extinguished.

It said the fires were still being classed as a "major incident".

GMFRS's head of response Ben Levy said: "I'm incredibly proud of our firefighters, who have shown outstanding resilience and bravery this weekend to tackle these wildfires in challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain.

"Their professionalism throughout this incident, alongside the invaluable support of our partners, has been exceptional."

The UK Health Security Agency has urged people to avoid areas affected by wildfire smoke where possible [GMFRS]

The fire broke out at Dove Stone Reservoir on 11 July. A woman has appeared in court accused of arson over the blaze.

Shania Care-Slede, 20, of Market Street, Hyde, has been charged with aggravated arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and dangerous driving.

She is due to appear in court on 18 August.

The Swineshaw wildfire started on 14 July.

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