Wildfires across Greater Manchester that have been burning for nearly three weeks are no longer a major incident, fire chiefs say.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said a “stand down” decision had been taken after a review on Monday.
However, the service says “the incident is not over” with fire still “present beneath the surface” and firefighters remaining “to monitor and contain any fire spread”. It called this “significant progress” made “over recent weeks, with the fire now largely contained”.
At the height of the fires, more than 100 firefighters and volunteers tackled flames on two fronts at Dove Stone, after a fire on Saddleworth merged with fires at Tintwistle and Swineshore.
The fire service also said: “This milestone has only been possible because of the outstanding efforts of firefighters, landowners, and partner agencies and organisations, who have shown incredible professionalism, commitment and resilience throughout a challenging and prolonged incident.
“Whilst standing down the major incident is an important step forward, the incident is not over.
“Fire is still present beneath the surface so firefighters will remain at the scene to monitor and contain any fire spread, while working alongside our partners to support ongoing recovery efforts.”
The fire service also warned people to stay away from affected moorland areas, to keep access routes clear for emergency services and partner agencies, and not to use barbecues, campfires, fireworks or any naked flames on or near moorland.
The moorland fires broke out on 11 July at Dove Stone and on 14 July at Swineshaw.