Emergency crews are continuing to battle vast moorland wildfires near Dovestone Reservoir and Tintwistle, with thick smoke spreading across Greater Manchester.
Firefighters from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have been tackling the Dovestone blaze since it broke out on July 11, 2026.
The Tintwistle wildfire has already burned an area equivalent to at least 350 football pitches.
Authorities closed the A628 Woodhead Pass to ensure the safety of responding vehicles.
Arrests Made in Connection with Dovestone Fire
Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the Dovestone Reservoir inferno.
A 20-year-old woman has already appeared in court charged with arson.
Officers arrested a 19-year-old woman on Thursday and a man in his 20s on Friday on suspicion of arson.
Both have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Officials noted that the emergency response at Dovestone Reservoir followed another incident on July 10, 2026, where an 18-year-old man tragically died after getting into difficulty in the water.
Helicopters Deployed to Drop Water
Two helicopters are currently being deployed to drop water onto hotspots across both the Tintwistle and Dovestone Reservoir sites.
Wind directions threaten to carry smoke into more local communities.
Fire services reported that crews were also forced to extinguish another separate moorland blaze on Thursday after a vehicle caught fire during a crash on the A628 Woodhead Pass.
"Our firefighters continue to tackle two major moorland fires at Swineshaw and Dovestones," stated the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
Fire officials expressed frustration after observing visitors engaging in hazardous activities near the ongoing emergency zones during the weekend.
"This weekend, we have already seen people visiting the area and lighting BBQs.
People must stay away from affected moorland areas and must not light BBQs, campfires or any other open flames," stated the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
Authorities have urged nearby residents to remain indoors with their windows and doors closed to avoid the heavy smog spreading across the region.
"Firefighters and partner agencies are expected to remain at the scene of the Tintwistle Moor wildfire into next week.
They continue to work tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further," stated the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Emergency operations are currently focused on four key areas: Didsbury Intake, Featherbed Moss, Arnfield Moor, and Crowden.
"Our efforts are currently focused on four key areas: Didsbury Intake, Featherbed Moss, Arnfield Moor and Crowden.
The A628 Woodhead Pass remains closed so responders and vehicles can get to and from the scene safely," stated the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Responders plan to remain at the affected moorlands into next week to fully damp down the remaining hotspots.
"Two helicopters are dropping water on both the Tintwistle Moor wildfire and a separate wildfire across the border in Greater Manchester at Dovestone Reservoir and Swineshaw Moor.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service continue to lead their own operations while working closely together and sharing specialist resources," stated the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Weather forecasts indicate potential shifts in wind direction that could push the smoke towards Padfield and Hadfield.
"The current wind direction is carrying smoke from both incidents towards Manchester.
However, forecast changes in wind direction early next week could mean smoke affects more communities on the Derbyshire side of the border, including Padfield and Hadfield.
Residents and visitors are advised to avoid areas affected by smoke where possible.
If you live nearby, please stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed," stated the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Earlier in the incident, five fire engines from multiple local stations quickly responded to the initial grass fire reports at Dovestones Reservoir.
"At just before 8.45pm this evening (Saturday 11 July), fire crews were called to reports of a fire in open moorland near Dovestones Reservoir, Greenfield," stated a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson.
Firefighters utilized specialized equipment during the initial overnight response to halt the rapid spread of the flames.
"Five fire engines from Mossley, Stalybridge, Hyde, Bolton North, Littleborough, supported by specialist wildfire units, quickly attended the scene," stated the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson.
The emergency teams remained on site to gain control over the fast-moving grassland fire.
"Crews located a grass fire and used beaters and backpack water units to tackle the blaze.
Firefighters remain at the scene working to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread," stated the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson.
Emergency personnel will continue operations on the moors until the wildfires are completely extinguished.
