Moorland Fire Surrounds Carrbrook Village!

Easter 2003
The week before Easter firefighters were battling against a series of spreading moorland blazes at Dovestones Reservoir and Hollingworth Moor.
	By Maundy Thursday the fire had reached Carrbrook Village and was devastating the environment and proving impossible to beat. Ten fire engines and over 80 firefighters from the Greater Manchester Region were in attendance.
They tried to get the fire under control using beaters, hose reels, light portable pumps and portable rucksacks filled with water.
Conditions for the firefighters was extremely difficult and the air was filled with burning particles. The smoke was so intense that firefighters had to wear breathing apparatus. The ranger, mountain rescue and personel from the landowners, Stalybridge Estates, were also in attendance.
The wind changed direction several times, the blaze travelled along Slatepit Moor and by Easter Sunday had reached Harridge Pike, surrounding Carrbrook Village with a scene of destruction.

The deep seated nature of the moorland fires coupled with tinder dry conditions and strong winds made the flames impossible to extinguish completely. The fire was finally stamped out thanks to a turn in the weather. Rain quelled the fire and gave the ground a good soaking.

The peat on the moor had taken thousands of years to evolve.

Over 3,000 acres of moorland has been ruined by the fires and it will take at least 5 years for the heather to grow back.

The fire has had a devasting effect on the wildlife.

The area is home to many birds including meadow pipits, skylarks, red grouse, owls, stonewalls, pied wagtails, wheatears and stonechats.

The vegetation would have harboured the insects and larvae that the birds feed on.

At this time of year the birds return to nest and the fire may prevent some birds from breeding this year.

Carrbrook Village says "Keep Mossley Fire Station Full Time".