Gamekeepers and local land workers helped tackle the Peak District fire above Greater Manchester this week, while Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said the incident was not over. Jono Simmonds, a gamekeeper on the Stalybridge Estate, said he knew he had to do his bit.
About 20 people from surrounding areas worked around the clock to get on top of the fires. Simmonds said: "We knew we had to do our bit to stop it and fortunately a lot of the lads jumped on and were here to help,". He added: "When you're facing it and thinking it's all going to go up in smoke, it's heartbreaking,".
Richard Bailey and the land knowledge
Richard Bailey of the Regional Moorland Group said members and their staff had contributed more than 2,000 hours between them in recent weeks. He said: "The fire service have had better kit now from 2018 but it's that knowledge of how to get to A to B which we have because we're on it [the land] every day."
Bailey also said: "We know when to fight a fire and when to let it go because it's coming into a natural break." Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said the response from gamekeepers, landowners and other organisations and individuals, including Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, gave crews valuable local knowledge and practical assistance.
Greater Manchester Fire Service
Earlier this week, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said a stand down decision had been taken after a review on Monday. The service also said the incident was not over and fire was still present beneath the surface.
Firefighters remained in place to monitor and contain any fire spread, while several vehicles were made available to help crews operate across difficult moorland terrain. For people on the ground, the practical question is not whether the response has ended, but how long crews will need to keep watch until the hidden fire is fully under control.
