By Thomas Nichol, Past Writer
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is continuing to battle a moorland blaze on Saddleworth Moor.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is continuing to battle a moorland blaze on Saddleworth Moor. Now approximately 100 soldiers, from the 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, have been deployed to work with firefighters to manage water lines and tackle the fire near the village of Carbrook.
The blaze started on Sunday, but has reignited after being previously brought under control. Conditions are optimal for the fire to continue to burn due to the hot weather which has dried out foliage, creating perfect tinder. High concentrations of highly flammable peat and a wind direction which could change at any time, moving the fire towards even drier moorland, all contribute to the extremely hard task of bringing the blaze under control.
Approximately 150 have been ordered to evacuate as the fire moves towards the village of Carbrook, following concerns of health problems caused by smoke inhalation.
More locally, two wildfires are currently t burning on the Otterburn ranges. These fires were started accidently when the Ministry Of Defence (MOD) were carrying out exercises with live ammunition. No attempt is being made to tackle the fires due to the danger of unexploded ordnance but the MOD says that the blaze is under control. Soldiers continue to monitor the situation.
How can the fire service attempt to fight the moorland fire?
A major challenge for the fire service is the water supply. Firefighters may have to travel miles away from roads in order to fight the blaze. Fire appliances carry approximately 1,800 litres of water, but can struggle to travel across the moorland. One possible solution is to set up a water relay whereby hoses connect several fire appliances together, while using dams (think large paddling pool) and portable pumps is an option if appliances are unable to reach the area. Another solution is to use a High Volume Pump (HVP). A HVP has the ability to deliver a high volume of water over large distances. However, once again, the problem with a HVP is that vehicular access is required. One of the more unusual solutions is to fight fire with fire. Controlled burning creates fire breaks which are essentially gaps in vegetation that the fire can’t jump, most commonly seen in a forest where gaps in the treeline are found.
The best solution would be using helicopter to drop water on the fire, but unfortunately this comes at a large cost. A Chinook helicopter was due to fly out of RAF Odiham, to carry water pumping equipment, but was stood down after GMFRS decided it was no longer required. However Greater Manchester police deployed a helicopter to assess the scene and United Utilities deployed another to drop water on the moor.
Fire services ask for public support in the prevention of wildfires, and ask people not to drop litter, cigarettes, etc and to only use barbeques in designated locations.
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