The fire started last weekend and swept through part of Saddleworth Moor near a car park near Dovestone Reservoir. On Saturday, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said a joint investigation with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) had so far found there were five fire extinguishers with traces of accelerant found on three of the seats. Supt Phillip Hutchinson, from GMP Oldham area, said there is a public space protection order on Saddleworth Moor and it is a criminal offense to start fires in the area, including barbecues. Breaching the order can result in a £1,000 fine. “Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for starting these fires which could have had a devastating impact on the land, wildlife and residents living in the surrounding area. Please anyone who has information to share it with us as soon as possible. “Just days before this fire, we attended an event during which we spoke to members of the public about how to use the area in the summer. Unfortunately, during this event, our officers identified dangerous people and three Fixed Penalty Notices were issued. “I am asking members of the public who frequent the area and residents living around it to report anyone they suspect of planning an illegal barbecue or committing any other crime.” Subscribe to First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7am. BST Jim Wilmott, GMFRS group director in Bury, Oldham and Rochdale, said: “It’s hard to understand why anyone would want to deliberately start a moorland fire, but unfortunately it also happens when conditions are so dry, they grow quickly and easily. of control. “For those who think this is a good idea, you should know that it not only destroys valuable moorland, but also endangers wildlife and people in the area, causing huge disruption and means our resources often cannot to monitor other serious incidents.” Anyone with information should contact GMP or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Emergency services across the country have reported cases of fires started by arsonists in recent days. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said on Friday it had been called to 66 bushfires in a seven-day period and urged the public to dispose of rubbish responsibly, not to barbecue in open areas and not to light fires. Essex County Fire and Rescue said two acres of woodland and undergrowth were damaged in the second fire in a week Friday, which they concluded was intentionally started. On Facebook, a fire service spokesman said: “Two acres of woodland and undergrowth in Heybridge have been damaged following a fire. The cause of the fire has been recorded as intentional.” Essex County Fire and Rescue said they typically see an increase in arson during the summer months. He added: “You can help us stop them by contacting FireStoppers. FireStoppers, run by CrimeStoppers, is an anonymous way to report what you know about arson in your area. “It’s not to claim any responsibility, it’s for us to prevent fires.” Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service also urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to the police.
