ABOUT 50 firefighters from Oldham's and Greater Manchester's main stations were once again on the front line to battle blazes on Saddleworth moor last night (Tuesday, April 23).

Crews from Oldham were first called at 7.10pm to Moorgate Quarry off Ladcastle Road in Uppermill, where there were several areas of fire.

They worked hard to quell the blaze which destroyed trees, heather and gorse and had returned to the station when at 9.15pm they were called to another blaze at Grange Road in Delph where fire had spread to woodland behind houses, and with residents fearing the worst for their properties as the wind whipped up the flames, fire chiefs made it into a seven-pump fire.

Oldham's red watch manager Phil Courtnell praised the residents who helped pull hoses through difficult areas.

"The people living nearby were getting quite panicky," he said. "But they were a great help and the crew grafted really hard to fight the fire and get it under control.

"By the time we made the pumps to seven our resources were really stretched."

And he had harsh words for youths who are believed to have started the fire.

He continued: "They think setting these fires is a joke, but if this carries on, someone's going to lose their property, or worse still their life. The flames were really fierce because of the wind and it's tragic to think of the wildlife, like nesting birds, which is being wiped out by these fires."

Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said it is continuing to deal with a number of moorland fires, most which broke out over the bank holiday weekend.

A spokesperson said "Firefighters remain at four locations in the boroughs of Oldham and Tameside tackling fires.

"Last night, (Tuesday, April 23) a fire broke out in Grains Road, Oldham – where two fire engines remain in attendance with firefighters using beaters and hose reels to tackle the fire.

Road closures remain in place and people are advised to avoid the area.

Firefighters also remain in attendance at three incidents which broke out on Monday, April 22:

  • Shutt Lane, Stalybridge – fire broke out at 9.52pm April 22. Regular inspections are taking place at this site and one fire engine is in attendance with firefighters 'damping down' hot spots.
  • Cote Lane, Oldham – fire broke out at 7.05pm April 22. One fire engine is in attendance at this incident with firefighters 'damping down' and using beaters to put out remaining spots of fire. Read more about this incident 
     
  • Huddersfield Road, Denshaw, Oldham – fire broke out at 3.14pm April 22. One fire engine is in attendance at this incident with firefighters 'damping down' and using beaters to put out remaining spots of fire. Read more about this incident 

Firefighters are also regularly inspecting sites where they have recently dealt with fires, including those at Ladcastle Road in Oldham.