Oldham fire crews were called out once again to put out a fire that was tearing through one of the borough's beauty spots last night.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) were out last night (Monday, July 18) to attend to a fire in the moorlands.
Fortunately, the crew were able to bring the fire under control by early this morning but have warned the public not to set up fires in woodland areas.
Photographs shared by the fire service show that the fire was caused by a disposable barbecue.
The images convey the devastating impact a barbecue can cause in moorland areas as a huge fire can be seen ripping through the trees.
In a post online, Oldham Fire team said: "Crews from Oldham were out again last night dealing with a fire in moorland caused by a disposable BBQ.
"Fortunately our crews were able to bring the fire under control by this morning.
"Having a BBQ (or any fire) on the moors is thoughtless and irresponsible in this extreme weather."
GMFRS has been approached for comment.
It is not the first time this week that the crew have been rushed to Oldham's moorland areas to put out a wildfire.
The team were called out to Dovestone Reservoir yesterday (Monday, July 18) at approximately 1.30am where eight fire engines worked to battle the blaze.
And just last week on Monday, July 11, the team was called out at approximately 11pm to Bank Lane in Greenfield where four large seats of fire in a woodland area had broken out.
The team had also been called out the Sunday evening (July 10) to tackle a fire at Yeoman Hey Reservoir, just north of Dovestone Reservoir.
Crews from Oldham have been at Dovestone reservoir tackling a moorland fire since the early hours of this morning supported by colleagues from @GMPOldham and partners from @RSPBDoveStone and other agencies. Please act responsibly during this incredibly hot weather #bemooraware pic.twitter.com/2T4bPm4yFI
— Oldham Fire Team (@oldhamfireteam) July 18, 2022
The sheer amount of fires the team has been attending in the area prompted GMFRS Group Manager, James Willmott, to issue a plea to the public to protect moorland habitats and green spaces.
He said fire services had attended three serious wildfires in the last seven days which not only cause devastating impacts to the environment but are "hugely resource intensive".
Mr Willmott said the huge emergency response to put out the fires draws resources away from other emergencies in Greater Manchester.
He also said wildfires can easily be caused by a discarded cigarette or a barbecue.
🗣“Please help us protect our moorland habitats and green spaces.”
— Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) July 18, 2022
Group Manager @jwgmfire’s plea to the public, after crews tackle 3 serious wildfires in 7 days.
🚫NEVER have a barbecue or fire in the countryside
✔ALWAYS dispose of any rubbish safely#BeMoorAware pic.twitter.com/eJPZnUgM6D
Many of these wildfires take crews all night to put out and they are often required to remain at the scene the following day to maintain the area.
Our team have been out supporting FRS with last night’s fires. Luckily as these were reported early there was minimal damage & they were quickly contained. Please call 999 if you see fire/suspicious behaviour - early reporting makes a big difference. pic.twitter.com/p7OC9UB6Rr
— RSPB Dove Stone (@RSPBDoveStone) July 18, 2022
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