Crews return to moorland after 'people spotted with barbecue' - days after fire

IT COMES AS FIRE CHIEFS ARE URGING PEOPLE TO STAY SAFE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE 07:49, 21 May 2025 Firefighters returned to a landmark Greater Manchester beauty spot after people were 'seen

with a barbecue' days after a devastating moor fire. Smoke billowed from Holcombe Hill near to Peel Tower, in Bury, last Tuesday (May 13) after a fire broke out. Three teenagers were

arrested on suspicion of arson and later bailed pending further enquiries. The blaze left a large section of Holcombe Hill charred, while the area was already dry following the driest start

to a year in the North West for almost a century. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has issued repeat warnings to the public in recent weeks, calling for care to be taken on the

region's moors. Article continues below But one week on from the Holcombe Hill fire, crews were called back to the site last night (May 20). Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

received a report of people having a barbecue in the area. Crews attended the scene at around 9pm, but fortunately were able to leave again 20 minutes later with no major incident taking

place. Station manager Ady Taylor, the fire service's wildfire lead and national tactical adviser for wildfires, said last week: "We want people to enjoy the countryside and

moorland we have in Greater Manchester, but our Be Moor Aware campaign, which runs throughout the summer, reminds people to always act responsibly while out enjoying these environments.

"This means no barbecues, fires or fireworks - as they can easily result in wildfires. "Wildfires can spread quickly and cause devastation to the land and wildlife on it, so it’s

vitally important that people call 999 as soon as they think they see a fire." --- _For the latest stories and breaking news visit __manchestereveningnews.co.uk__. __Get the latest

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