Fire service issue statement as large amount of smoke seen on moors

Fire chiefs have moved to reassure residents in Tameside after a large amount of smoke was spotted above the borough.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said they had received numerous reports regarding plumes of smoke above the Stalybridge Moors, around the Higher Swineshaw reservoir.

The area was devastated by moor fires which swept across the area, back in 2018.

However, GMFRS say there is nothing to be concerned about.

"We aware of a large amount of smoke seen near Stalybridge Moors around Higher Swineshaw and want to reassure the public that this is controlled burn to help maintain the moors' longevity," they said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

"Local stations are prepared for any uncontrolled incidents in the area."

Managed burning is widely used across the UK uplands as part of vegetation management for livestock and grouse, as well as for conservation.

It involves setting fires on small areas of heather. The goal is to remove older heather and grass, while leaving the soil intact.