A major incident has been declared after a huge moorland fire forced dozens of residents to flee their homes in Greater Manchester.

The army is on standby to help tackle the blaze which has been raging for several days on Saddleworth Moor.

Some 34 properties have been evacuated in Carrbrook, Stalybridge, while police have confirmed some nearby schools will be closed.

Public Health England has urged residents to keep windows and doors shut as smoke and flames could be seen for miles.

Image: Flames continue to burn at Saddleworth Moor

The blaze started on Sunday and reignited the next day amid Britain's current heatwave, which has seen temperatures top 30C in places.


Resident Sean Quarmby, 28, said the flames were "like a volcanic eruption coming down the mountain".

He told Sky News: "It's scary that it's on our doorstep.

"We've had to keep the windows closed. The smell of the smoke is intense."

Image: Flames burn on moorland near Carrbrook. Pic: Sean Quarmby

Another resident, Dee Blanchard, told the Manchester Evening News: "It's getting a bit frightening.

"We've got double glazing but we've had to put damp towels around their windows and doors. You can't go outside, you can barely see."

Phil Nelson, from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Crews are still tackling this difficult fire and are working hard to contain the blaze and prevent further fire spread.

Image: Residents move their horses as the fire continues to rage

"Firefighters are faced with very difficult circumstances, intense heat and are working on challenging terrain.

"Our main considerations are for crew welfare. It is physically draining working at this incident and it is vital that our firefighters have regular breaks and that relief crews are available to take over."

Image: The blaze first began on Sunday. Pic: National Police Air Service/@NPAS_Barton

There have been no reports of any injuries.

Motorists travelling through the smoke have been told to keep their windows shut and turn off air conditioning.

Image: Smoke billows on Saddleworth Moor. Pic: National Police Air Service/@NPAS_Barton

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham tweeted: "Huge thanks to the GM firefighters working flat out to contain this worrying situation."

Tameside Council said two schools - Mossley Hollins High and Buckton Vale Primary - will be closed due to the ongoing fire.

Temperatures in the UK are expected to rise even further in the coming days and could reach 33C in parts of the country on Thursday.