Residents across parts of the North West of England are experiencing significant air quality concerns following a series of persistent moorland fires. Several blazes, including one that ignited at Dove Stone Reservoir in Greenfield, Saddleworth, on Saturday, have now merged with another fire at Tintwistle Moor near Glossop, Derbyshire, sending plumes of smoke across the region. Further fires have also been reported in Lancashire, with crews tackling incidents in Gisburn and Darwen in recent days.
Strong winds and a meteorological phenomenon known as a temperature inversion are contributing to the issue, keeping smoke low to the ground, particularly affecting Greater Manchester. Alan Goodman, a regional advisor at the Met Office, explained that this inversion prevents smoke and air from rising beyond a certain height, causing it to linger at lower atmospheric levels for extended periods. This has led to widespread concerns among the public, with many reporting thick, unpleasant air.
Liz Godfrey, 49, the Greater Manchester coordinator for the clean air campaign group Mums for Lungs, expressed significant worry over the air quality. She noted that numerous parents have contacted her group, feeling helpless and unsure whether to send their children to school or if they should keep windows open or closed. Godfrey highlighted a perceived lack of clear health advice available to the public, stressing the need for more comprehensive guidance.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued advice, stating that all smoke is potentially harmful. Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of air pollutants, including fine particles, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. The fine particles are particularly concerning as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to illness. For those in affected areas, the UKHSA recommends avoiding smoke where possible, staying indoors with doors and windows closed, and keeping vehicle windows closed if travelling through smoky conditions.
Dr Fatemeh Moheimani, a lecturer specialising in respiratory diseases at Manchester Metropolitan University, clarified that while short-term exposure is unlikely to cause significant health problems for most healthy individuals, certain groups are more susceptible. People with asthma and other lung conditions, as well as young children and older adults, may experience irritation to the eyes, throat, and airways, leading to coughing, sore throats, or mild breathlessness. She advises these vulnerable groups to take extra precautions if smoke levels are noticeable.