A MOORLAND fire at Dovestone Reservoir is being tackled by firefighters.

At its height, the blaze at Bank Lane, Greenfield, spread to an area that was four square kilometres.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said that around 80 firefighters have been involved in the operation since being called to the open fire this afternoon (April 19).

Crews from Mossley, Chadderton, Hollins, Bury and an all-terrain vehicle from Bolton were called to the scene at around 2.40pm.

Firefighters have been supported by mountain rescue teams and United Utilities helicopters to help bring it under control.

The fire has now been brought under control, with three fire engines and one wild fire unit remaining at the scene at 8pm to target hot spots.

Incident commander Paul Fearnhead said: "The crews have done a fantastic job in tackling this fire, working really hard across a huge area in difficult circumstances.

"We have successfully stopped this fire from spreading to parts of the area that have undergone recent investment and we'll be here for another hour or so to keep our eye on the remaining pockets of fire."

A large plume of smoke was seen coming from the hills above the reservoir near Oldham.

Residents have been asked to avoid the area and are advised to keep their windows and doors shut to limit smoke inhalation.