Army called in to deal with Saddleworth Moor fires
The Army has been called into to deal with fires on Saddleworth Moor.
The fires, on the moors above Stalybridge, have been burning for several days with firefighters struggling to bring them under control.
Surrounding areas have been affected by smoke and a number of housholds in the area have been evacuated.
Around 100 soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and an RAF Chinook helicopter have been deployed to support the Great Manchester Fire & Rescue Service operation.
More than 100 firefighters plus specialist officers have been dealing with a number of moorland fires and a a major incident has been declared.
A Boeing CH-47 Chinook from 27 Squadron, based at RAF Odiham
Around 34 homes were evacuated as a precaution on Tuesday night and four schools have closed. The moors have been left tinder dry due to the recent spell of hot weather.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “I pay tribute to our Armed Forces’ professionalism, dedication and sense of duty.
“They are proving once again that Britain can always depend on our troops to protect us no matter the time, no matter the place, and no matter the problem.”
He added: “The troops will deploy overnight from their barracks in Catterick.
“Operating out of a nearby Army Training Centre, they will assist the effort to control and reduce the fire, undertaking tasks such as the management of water lines, fire beating and providing general support where required.”
The RAF Chinook, flying out of RAF Odiham, arrived this morning.
It will airlift heavy equipment such as high volume pump Units to areas that are difficult to access due to the terrain.
