{"id":147349,"date":"2018-06-27T16:49:26","date_gmt":"2018-06-27T16:49:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/freeonlinetranslators.net\/news\/english\/how-crews-are-tackling-the-blaze-near-saddleworth-moor\/"},"modified":"2018-06-27T16:49:26","modified_gmt":"2018-06-27T16:49:26","slug":"how-crews-are-tackling-the-blaze-near-saddleworth-moor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freeonlinetranslators.net\/news\/english\/how-crews-are-tackling-the-blaze-near-saddleworth-moor\/","title":{"rendered":"How crews are tackling the blaze near Saddleworth Moor"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"SaddleworthImage copyright PA
Image caption Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue crews are battling through the smoke <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tackling moorland fires poses a unique set of challenges far removed from an urban blaze.<\/p>\n

Images of firefighters caked in soot and sweat reflect the arduous conditions on the scorched hills above Greater Manchester.<\/p>\n

The biggest test for crews near Saddleworth Moor is reaching remote fires with water and manpower. <\/p>\n

Once there, they face intense heat and the danger of being caught out by flames whipped up by strong winds.<\/p>\n

An arsenal of equipment and expertise is on hand, but dousing and beating the flames to starve them of oxygen remains a low-tech and back-breaking endeavour made tougher by the ongoing heatwave.<\/p>\n

'Water relay'<\/h2>\n

Rob Taylor, from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, said reaching the often remote location of the seat of the fire is one of the biggest hurdles.<\/p>\n

Crews and water may need to travel several miles from nearby roads to bring fires under control.<\/p>\n

Moorland fire in pictures<\/p>\n

'Apocalyptic' moors fire continues to rage<\/p>\n

While beating flames to starve them of oxygen is partly effective, a deep-seated blaze requires soaking with water to stop it spreading, said Tony Wellock, from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.<\/p>\n

Fire engines each carry about 1,800 litres of water but struggle to move across bumpy moorland terrain. <\/p>\n

By linking seven hoses together, a so-called "water relay" can allow crews to stretch supplies up to 200m (656ft).<\/p>\n

Image copyright PA
Image caption Crews are damping down blazing patches <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Image copyright Getty Images
Image caption "Access to water is our biggest challenge," says firefighter Rob Taylor <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mr Taylor said the most effective way to fight moorland fires is by helicopter but it comes at a significant cost, requiring funding from the landowner.<\/p>\n

"Access to water is our biggest challenge - the pumps will be exhausted in five to eight minutes of continuous use."<\/p>\n

An eight-wheeled Argocat vehicle, which can move swiftly across the landscape, can be used for remote blazes. <\/p>\n

"It carries what looks like a giant pressure washer and allows us to reach some remote terrain, but there's a limit to the amount of water it can carry," he explained.<\/p>\n

'Wind is our enemy'<\/h2>\n

The moors are at the mercy of strong winds which can whip smouldering embers into a well-developed blaze in seconds.<\/p>\n

Mr Taylor said flames which rapidly change direction could place crews at risk. The danger is mitigated by using teams of spotters to monitor speed and direction.<\/p>\n

"The Peak District National Park rangers are invaluable to us - they understand the wind and how it will blow the fire around," said Mr Taylor.<\/p>\n

Beneath the scrub and heather burning above the surface, roots and peat are prone to burning underground - and can spread undetected.<\/p>\n

Mr Wellock said: "When you put the fire out, it springs up again behind you."<\/p>\n

Image copyright PA
Image caption The moors are at the mercy of strong winds which can whip up smouldering embers <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, there are some features of the landscape which can be used to firefighters' advantage.<\/p>\n

"Where there's a break, like a road, we can damp it with water to keep it cool and it will stop the fire from spreading," said Mr Taylor.<\/p>\n

Firefighters adopt more lightweight kit for tackling a blaze in the open countryside and eschew breathing apparatus for dust masks, except during the smokiest parts of the work.<\/p>\n

They can expect to work in 60-minute stints at the frontline of the fire before being relieved by another crew, rotating in shifts of four to five hours. <\/p>\n

Skip Twitter post by @BBCBreakfast <\/p>\n

\n

We got the latest from @manchesterfire on the Saddleworth Moor blaze. #moorsfire #heatwaveuk pic.twitter.com\/ifNBbj4Z0V<\/p>\n

\u2014 BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) June 27, 2018<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Report <\/p>\n

End of Twitter post by @BBCBreakfast<\/p>\n

Each engine carries water and snack bars to keep crews fed and hydrated. Those fortunate enough to get a longer break might have chance to eat a ready meal prepared using hot water before resuming work.<\/p>\n

Crews on the moors are often exposed to heat and smoke for longer periods compared to the intense challenge of a house fire. <\/p>\n

"This is the most arduous work our crews carry out," Mr Taylor added.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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