Wildfire warning after moorland barbecue spotted

Fire chiefs have issued a safety warning after a group of people were caught using a barbecue on Saddleworth Moor.
Firefighters with a barbeque that was being used on Saddleworth MoorFirefighters with a barbeque that was being used on Saddleworth Moor
Firefighters with a barbeque that was being used on Saddleworth Moor

The incident took place at Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham amid soaring temperatures last Saturday, although luckily it did not start a blaze in the surrounding area.

Last summer, firefighters from around the country spent more than a week battling a wildfire on the moor above Stalybridge - which was treated as arson - and needed the Army to be drafted in.

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Firefighters with a barbeque that was being used on Saddleworth MoorFirefighters with a barbeque that was being used on Saddleworth Moor
Firefighters with a barbeque that was being used on Saddleworth Moor
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"We continue to ask people to take care, especially when on the moors, and never light a barbecue or start any kind of fire. These fires are devastating and the consequences so costly - to the community, the environment and also to our service and resources."

Regular patrols will continue at local beauty spots by GMFRS community safety staff, fire crews and volunteers including Women's Institute members.

GMFRS has been working closely with local authorities, particularly Tameside and Oldham Councils, to implement Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) which, if enforced, mean anyone caught lighting a fire or barbecue in specified areas will be fined.

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