Story developing — confirmed facts and preliminary information are separated below.
A Dovestones fire today has drawn emergency response to the area around Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham, Greater Manchester, with the Manchester Evening News reporting huge plumes of smoke visible at the beauty spot on the evening of July 11, 2026. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is on scene, with the Tameside Correspondent confirming reports of smoke and loud bangs in the area.
Breaking Scene
The Manchester Evening News published a live blog titled “Dovestone moor fire LIVE” reporting that emergency services are on the scene following reports of a huge moor fire near Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham on the evening of July 11. The Tameside Correspondent’s X account (@TamesideCorr) confirmed emergency services at the scene near Dove Stone Reservoir following reports of smoke and loud bangs, with large plumes visible. GMP Oldham separately confirmed that emergency services responded to an incident at Dovestone Reservoir at around 7 p.m. on July 10, 2026.
Location Profile
Dovestone Reservoir (also spelled Dove Stone) is a reservoir at Greenfield in the Saddleworth area of Oldham, Greater Manchester, within the Peak District National Park boundary. The reservoir and surrounding Saddleworth Moor are among Greater Manchester’s most popular outdoor recreation destinations, drawing walkers, cyclists, and families year-round. The area is accessible via the A635 Holmfirth Road and features the landmark Pots and Pans war memorial above the reservoir. The combination of dry heather, peat moorland, and strong Pennine winds makes this area particularly fire-prone during dry spells.
Saddleworth Moor Fire History
The Dovestones fire today follows a long history of moorland fires in the Saddleworth area. The Manchester Evening News documented six wildfires in Greater Manchester in 2026, with fires in Saddleworth near Pots and Pans at Uppermill and on Saddleworth Moor near Holmfirth Road. The Moorland Association confirmed two fires erupted on Saddleworth Moor — one near Pots and Pans and another near Holmfirth Road. The Oldham Times separately documented three moorland fires that saw crews tackling flames overnight, including a Dovestone fire requiring several fire engines and roughly five hours of firefighting. The Manchester Mill noted a previous Saddleworth Moor fire started on the Stalybridge Estate grouse moor and spread across a large area of the Pennines.
Reservoir Safety Context
The Dovestones area has also seen separate tragedy in July 2026. The Saddleworth Independent confirmed a teenager died in an incident at Dove Stone Reservoir in Greenfield, with emergency services called at about 7 p.m. on July 10. The Manchester Evening News reported the fire service issued a statement after the death — the second water tragedy in 24 hours in Greater Manchester. An 18-year-old man was identified in a Facebook post. These incidents underscore the range of hazards at Dovestones, from moorland fire to water safety.
Public Guidance
For residents and visitors near Dovestone Reservoir and Saddleworth Moor:
- Avoid the Dovestone Reservoir area while GMFRS tackles the moor fire.
- Keep windows and doors closed if smoke is visible in your area.
- Never light barbecues, campfires, or cigarettes on moorland — dry peat ignites easily.
- Report any new fires immediately by calling 999.
Conclusion
The Dovestones fire today near Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham, Greater Manchester, remains an active incident with GMFRS on scene and huge plumes of smoke visible across the Saddleworth area. With the long history of Saddleworth Moor fires, the six Greater Manchester wildfires already in 2026, and the separate reservoir tragedy also affecting the area, residents and visitors should avoid Dovestone Reservoir, follow GMFRS guidance, and report any new fires to 999.
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