Fireworks reported before moorland wildfire

Police have confirmed they received a report of youths setting off fireworks before a large moorland fire broke out above a reservoir.

The fire at Dove Stone Reservoir in Greenfield, Saddleworth, has been burning since Saturday, with the cause still yet to be confirmed.

Greater Manchester Police said it had received a report about fireworks being let off, and "officers are following lines of enquiry".

Local councillor Keiron Lawrence said he believed a group had "gathered to pay their respects to their friend who had tragically lost his life" at the reservoir and while he did not believe the fire was started intentionally, such behaviour was "reckless".

The body of an 18-year-old man was pulled from the Greater Manchester reservoir on Friday night.

The Dove Stone fire sent large plumes of smoke across Greater Manchester.

Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service is investigating and warned people to be "really, really careful" of the dry vegetation which could easily ignite.

Lawrence, the Reform UK councillor for Ashton Hurst, said: "Whether people were grieving or not, there can be no justification for what has happened.

"I genuinely do not believe anyone set out intending to start a wildfire, however, intent does not remove responsibility.

"A single reckless act can have devastating consequences for wildlife, the landscape, nearby communities, and the emergency services who have to put themselves at risk to deal with it."

He added: "Actions have consequences, and those responsible should be held accountable."

BBC Radio Manchester's Mat Trewern, who was at the scene earlier, said it was almost impossible to see the surrounding hills due to the amount of smoke coming from the fire.

He said it had been seen or smelt miles away with a "haze across Manchester city centre" on Sunday afternoon and the smoke being reported as far away as Warrington and Liverpool.

He said it was "very, very windy" up on the moor and that was "making life very difficult for the firefighters".

Paul Fearnhead, GMFRS area manager, said: "Any lit cigarettes or barbecues could start a large or significant fire.

"We ask people to make sure people treat the countryside with respect."

Residents in surrounding areas were urged to keep windows and doors closed because of smoke.

Meanwhile, a mum who planted a tree in memory of her baby in the area has described feeling "full of gratitude" after finding out it was unaffected by the fire.

Natalie Paul, from Tameside, Greater Manchester, planted the tree at Dove Stone Celebration Wood, in 2012 after her son's death at the age of three months old.

GMFRS confirmed on Monday the fire "was not impacting the memorial tree plantation in the area" but relatives had feared it could spread to the area.

Paul, who has since founded a bereavement charity, said: "Knowing that my baby's tree is safe means more than words can ever express.

"My heart is full of gratitude, and yet it also aches for the wildlife, the beautiful landscape... and everything that has been lost."

GMFRS said they also dealt with a wildfire which started on moorland above Darwen, Lancashire, at 16:30 BST on Sunday.

A major incident has also been declared in Tintwistle Moor in Derbyshire after a flare-up of a fire which first started last month.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.