Emergency services responded swiftly to a significant fire on the moors above Rochdale, which has subsequently led to the detention of a teenager on suspicion of arson. The incident unfolded on Wednesday, March 26, when emergency services were alerted shortly before 1.15pm after large clouds of smoke became visible from a distance, raising alarm among local residents.
The fire erupted near Blackstone Edge, close to Littleborough, prompting a coordinated response from fire and rescue teams. A total of five fire engines, alongside several specialised wildfire units, were deployed to tackle the blaze that had quickly spread across the moorland off Blackstone Edge Old Road. The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed that their crews worked diligently, managing to bring the fire under control after an extensive effort lasting more than three hours. By approximately 4.15pm, the flames had been extinguished, and GMFRS confirmed there were no remaining hot spots at the scene.
A spokesperson for GMFRS stated, "At shortly before 1.15pm on Wednesday (March 26) five fire engines from Rochdale, Horwich, Heywood and Chadderton fire stations plus specialist wildfire units were called to a fire on moorland off Blackstone Edge Old Road in Littleborough. GMFRS attended alongside Greater Manchester Police to quickly bring the fire under control. Crews have now extinguished the fire and are leaving the scene as no hot spots remain."
As the situation developed, social media activity suggested that a group of youths was seen in the area around the time the fire started. This led Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to launch an investigation, resulting in a spokesperson confirming, "Shortly after 1pm this afternoon (Wednesday 26 March) we were called to reports of a fire on Moorside, Littleborough. Emergency services attended and thankfully, no injuries have been reported. A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of arson."
The incident has understandably caused alarm within the local community, with residents expressing concerns over the rapid spread of the flames and the visibility of smoke from several miles away. Emergency services were able to ensure that no injuries occurred amid the chaos of the fire, although the incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by such fires in these areas.
Source: Noah Wire Services