Dozens of homes evacuated as wildfires rage on Saddleworth Moor

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

Homes have evacuated amid a sprawling wildfire on Saddleworth Moor in West Yorkshire's Peak District.

More than 30 homes were cleared in the Tameside area due to encroaching smoke and flames, Greater Manchester Police said.

Firefighters have reportedly battled flames up to 20ft high since the fire broke out earlier this week.

Residents have been advised to keep their windows closed despite the hot weather, as billowing smoke covers the countryside.

The blaze has devastated land around Carrbrook, in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester. Smoke and ash have also filled the sky.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said firefighters were working in ”very difficult circumstances”.

“Crews are still tackling this difficult fire and are working hard to contain the blaze and prevent further fire spread," said Phil Nelson, the GMFRS group manager for Tameside. “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.

“I would like to thank the Salvation Army for keeping our crews fed and watered during this incident. We are co-ordinating our efforts with our partners at the Peak District, United Utilities and Ranger Services and will continue to into the evening.”

Derbyshire firefighters tackling the same blaze described it as “hard, hot & exhausting work”, and warned people to be careful while enjoying the outdoors.

They said: “Take extra care when out in the countryside – a stray cigarette, a discarded glass bottle, or a spark from a BBQ can all cause untold devastation!”

Meanwhile the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham thanked fire crews.

He tweeted: "Huge thanks to the GM firefighters working flat out to contain this worrying situation."