The fire on Saddleworth Moor has now been declared a major incident.

For updates on any potential evacuations or road closures caused by the fire  we are asking our residents to continue to monitor the Manchester Fire website:

https://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/

Here is the latest advice on staying safe:

Keep doors and windows closed

The fire service and Tameside council are advising people to keep doors and windows closed. They say while the smoke is uncomfortable, it isn't toxic.

Smoke can irritate air passages, the skin and the eyes leading to coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain. It can also worsen existing problems such as asthma and people with asthma should carry their inhaler with them at all times. Anyone concerned about their symptoms should contact their GP or NHS Direct.

Do not go to watch the fire

Please do not be tempted to come up to the site to try to view this scene, say police, it is very dangerous and cannot be viewed from the valley as its high up on the open moorland.

Keep pets inside

Ian McConnell Vets tweeted out: “Please don’t forget that animals can also be affected by smoke inhalation during the moorland fire. Please check and bring any small pets indoors if necessary out of the smoke.”

Stay at your property unless told otherwise

There is absolutely nothing to suggest that life is at risk, the fire is out on open moorland and although still an on going and fluid situation there is nothing to suggest that the fire on its current trajectory will endanger people or their property, police say.

Do not use air conditioning in your car

Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed. If people need to be outdoors, they are advised to avoid areas affected by any smoke or ash, or to limit the time that they spend in them.

Do not leave your vehicles on lanes

Please do not leave your vehicles on any lanes that would give access to open moorland locations either in Saddleworth or across Mossley and Tameside towards Glossop. Emergency service vehicles need to have clear access to respond as and when wind conditions change.