NewsUK NewsFireSmoke from the huge moor fire can be seen for miles across several regions of Greater Manchester as firefighters continue to tackle the blaze10:36, 12 Jul 2026Updated 10:39, 12 Jul 2026Firefighters are tackling a major blaze at a Greater Manchester beauty spot - less than 24 hours after a teenager was tragically pulled from its reservoir in the scorching heatwave.‌Emergency services raced to Dovestone Reservoir, in Saddleworth, Oldham, at around 8.45pm last night (July 11) to reports of a fire.‌Crews from across the Greater Manchester region have been battling the inferno into the night and through to this morning (Sunday) where footage shows heavy plumes of thick, black smoke sweeping across the moorlands.‌Images of the nature reserve last night showed bright orange flames ripping across the landscape. Residents in the surrounding areas and from miles away say they could smell smoke and even see it rolling over the hills.Witnesses also told the Manchester Evening News they heard "loud bangs" before the fire tore through a large area of the grasslands. Others also claim a group were spotted in the area releasing fireworks just moments before the fire, though these are unconfirmed reports and the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) told the publication crews were using water and grass beaters in a bid to bring the incident under control.‌A spokesperson said in a statement: "At just before 8.45pm this evening (Saturday 11 July), fire crews were called to reports of a fire in open moorland near Dovestones Reservoir, Greenfield.“Five fire engines from Mossley, Stalybridge, Hyde, Bolton North, Littleborough, supported by specialist wildfire units, quickly attended the scene.“Crews located a grass fire and used beaters and backpack water units to tackle the blaze. Firefighters remain at the scene working to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread.”‌In a post online, GMFRS advised residents to keep windows and doors closed "due to smoke drifting from the scene" and to avoid the area to allow emergency services the space to work safely.Dozens on social media also said they woke to the smell of smoke this morning (Sunday) from miles away.The news also comes less than 24 hours since emergency services scrambled to the reservoir to reports a teenager had got into difficulty in the water.Article continues belowTragically, the 18-year-old who has since been identified as Karl Holland, was pronounced dead at the scene on Friday night (July 10). Tributes have since been pouring in for the youngster, who has been described as a "kind-hearted, beautiful boy" with a "heart of gold".Emergency services are continuing to warn about the dangers of open-water swimming and cold water shock as people flock to rivers, lakes and reservoirs in a bid to cool down in the scorching heatwave.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌HeatwaveManchesterFire ServiceFireDrownings