LIVE: Smoke seen for miles after moorland fire breaks out in Stalybridge - updates

Smoke can be seen for miles over Tameside this afternoon (Tuesday, March 18) due to an ongoing moorland fire. Emergency services are in attendance in the Carrbrook area.

Specialist wildfire and air units are at the scene attempting to bring the incident under control. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.

Dramatic images from the scene show a number of fire engines at the scene as thick clouds of smoke can be seen billowing overhead.

A heightened emergency services response is in attendance, with witnesses reporting further fire engines racing to the scene on blue lights.

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This is a breaking incident. Live updates to follow below.

This video has been shared with us showing parts of the moorland burning this afternoon, and fire crews at the scene.

There has been confusion on social media this afternoon over whether the blaze is 'controlled'.

Controlled burns regularly take place and help maintain the moors' longevity. Fire crews are in attendance and often reassure the public when this is the case.

We asked the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service whether it was the case for the fire this afternoon - and they confirmed this was not a controlled fire and that crews remain at the scene to tackle it.

A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said; "Firefighters are currently tackling a fire on the moors above Stalybridge in the Carrbrook area

"Specialist wildfire and air units are in attendance to get the incident under control."