A major moorland fire has been burning near Dove Stone Reservoir in Greater Manchester since Saturday. The cause of the fire, which has been declared a major incident by the fire service, remains unknown.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that officers received a report about fireworks being let off in the area. Despite social media rumours circulating, the force has urged people to stop speculating and instead report any information to the police.
A 20-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson and is currently being held by Greater Manchester Police. The force thanked the fire service for their efforts in containing the fire, which has sent large plumes of smoke across the region.
Residents in the area have been warned to avoid the affected areas to enable emergency services to carry out their work. Road closures are in place at Holmfirth Road and Bank Lane, with no access to Dovestone Reservoir.
The fire has had a significant impact on the local community, with residents expressing concerns about the potential risks to their homes and the environment. The Oldham Mountain Rescue Team has been supporting the fire service, providing navigational support and local knowledge to help bring the blaze under control.