Overview
- The fire broke out on Rishworth Moor near Oldham Road and M62 junction 22 on May 1, rapidly spreading across 1 km x 2 km of moorland.
- A total of 18 fire crews, including support from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, battled the fire at its peak using specialised wildfire equipment.
- Road closures remain in place on Oldham Road (A672) between M62 J22 and Rishworth New Road, and the public is still advised to avoid the area.
- By the morning of May 2, the fire was partially contained, allowing the emergency response to scale back to seven crews continuing suppression and monitoring efforts.
- Dry, warm conditions contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze, but no injuries have been reported, and the fire has been sectorised for targeted containment.