Homes evacuated as moorland fire declared ‘major incident’
Image copyright Anthony Devlin/Getty ImagesMore than 30 homes have been evacuated as a huge moorland fire continues to spread in Greater Manchester.
The blaze on Saddleworth Moor has been declared a "major incident" and the Army is on standby to step in.
The fire began on Sunday night, was reignited on Monday during the hot weather and then spread throughout Tuesday, fanned by evening winds.
Thirty-four homes in Carrbrook, near Stalybridge, were evacuated but there are no reported injuries.
Great Manchester Fire and Recue Service (GMFRS) confirmed the blaze was spreading, with smoke and flames seen for miles.
Great Manchester Police (GMP) tweeted: "We are in contact with the Army and they are on standby to help if we need them."
The force has warned people to keep their windows and doors shut, despite the warm weather.
The blaze, on tinder-dry hills, has been raging for days despite efforts to halt it.
On Tuesday night, GMP said homes in Carr Rise, Carr Lane and Calico Crescent were being evacuated due to the proximity of the flames.
GMFRS group manager for Tameside, Phil Nelson, said: "Crews are still tackling this difficult fire and are working hard to contain the blaze and prevent further fire spread.
"Firefighters are faced with very difficult circumstances, intense heat and are working on challenging terrain.
"Our main considerations are for crew welfare. It is physically draining working at this incident and it is vital that our firefighters have regular breaks and that relief crews are available to take over."
The mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham thanked fire crews after firefighters from across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Derbyshire spent much of Tuesday tackling the fire.
He tweeted: "Huge thanks to the GM firefighters working flat out to contain this worrying situation."
Huge amounts of smoke drifted westwards, with large parts of Greater Manchester experiencing poor visibility.
People as far as 20 miles away reported being able to smell the smoke on Tuesday evening, although GMFRS stressed the smoke was not toxic.
Public Health England offered advice to those affected by smoke. It tweeted: "Smoke is an irritant and can make people's eyes and throat sore. Wash your face with soap and water and keep hydrated by drinking water."
GMP has confirmed some schools in the Tameside area will be shut on Wednesday, with two already confirmed closed.
Anyone who requires a safe place to stay should contact Tameside Council, the force said.
