Latest update on the wildfires

160 firefighters are still battling the blazes on the moors above Tameside and Saddleworth.

On their fifth day at the scene, crews from Greater Manchester have been joined by firefighters and specialists from Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Northumberland, South Wales and West Yorkshire as well as 100 troops.

A request has been submitted for the armed forces to continue providing support.

Air quality monitoring has shown an improvement but pollution levels are still elevated and expected to fluctuate over the next few days so people are being advised to stay inside and keep their windows and doors closed.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Leon Parkes, said:

“We’re really grateful to members of the public, the local community and businesses who have been providing refreshments all week. We have been collecting these at Stalybridge Community Fire Station, from where they’re being distributed to crews in various locations by our volunteers.

“Just a reminder that if you do wish to donate supplies, please don’t drive up to the incident, as it causes access issues for our crews and we would really appreciate non-perishable foods such as re-hydration drinks, protein bars or gels.

“It continues to be an extremely challenging time for GMFRS and conditions for our crews up on the moors are very difficult – we are doing everything we can to put this fire out but we will be here for some time to come.”

In addition, firefighters are also responding to a number of wildfires in Bolton.

They were initially called to reports of multiple fires near to Horrocks Moor Farm at 2am and the blazes reignited as temperatures continued to soar this afternoon so it currently spans an area approximately two kilometres in length.

ACFO Parkes added:

“In both cases, people are advised to stay away from the area and nearby residents are asked to keep their windows and doors closed where possible.

“These incidents have put GMFRS under intense pressure and we have had to get support in from Cumbria, Derbyshire and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services to backfill our crews at various stations across Greater Manchester to be available for other incidents as needed.

“GMFRS and North West Fire Control are extremely busy - these are unprecedented circumstances and we would urge the public to only call us in an emergency and to help to prevent any further incidents by taking extra care.”

Advice from Public Health England is as follows:

Residents in areas affected by smoke should stay indoors, keep their doors and windows closed, and tune in to the local radio station for advice and information. Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed and keep their air vents closed. If people need to be outdoors, they are advised to avoid areas affected by any smoke or ash, or to limit the time that they spend in them.

Smoke can irritate air passages, the skin and the eyes leading to coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain. It can also worsen existing problems such as asthma and people with asthma should carry their inhaler with them at all times. Anyone concerned about their symptoms should contact their GP or the NHS 111 service.