With a warm weekend approaching Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is urging residents and visitors to take extra care on moorland and in rural areas as part of the annual Be Moor Aware campaign, aimed at preventing wildfires and reducing the impact they have on communities, businesses, emergency services and the environment.
The campaign brings together a range of partners including United Utilities, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), neighbouring fire and rescue services and local councils, all working together to protect Greater Manchester’s moorland and countryside.
Wildfires place significant pressure on emergency services and cause serious damage to wildlife, habitats and local communities. GMFRS data shows there have been 83 wildfires across Greater Manchester since 2021, including a significant rise in 2025, when 38 incidents were recorded. Six wildfires have already been recorded so far in 2026, with warmer and drier conditions during the spring and summer likely to increase the risk.
Recent incidents have also highlighted the challenges faced by firefighters tackling wildfires. Crews have responded to multiple large-scale moorland fires in difficult terrain, often working for extended periods in remote locations and changing conditions to bring incidents under control and prevent further escalation.
To help prevent fires, GMFRS encourages the public to follow its simple safety advice:
Act responsibly on the moors – no BBQs, fires or fireworks
Dispose of all rubbish correctly and do not litter
If you see a fire, call 999 and ask for the fire service
Anonymously report deliberate fire-setting to FireStoppers by calling 0800 169 5558 or visiting firestoppersreport.co.uk
Be aware that starting a fire could result in a fine and/or prison sentence
If you live in a rural area or an area prone to grass or wildfires, check your property and surroundings for fire hazards and manage vegetation to reduce the risk of fire spreading to your property
In recent years, GMFRS has invested in specialist equipment and training to improve its wildfire response, including two Hagglund BV206 tracked vehicles equipped with 2,000-litre water tanks and specialist firefighting equipment, two Polaris 4×4 vehicles and a flail mower for transporting personnel and welfare facilities, and creating fire breaks, a dedicated wildfire burn suppression team, and lightweight personal protective equipment designed specifically for wildfire incidents.
Head of Service Delivery Ben Levy said:
“Wildfires present significant operational challenges for our crews, often requiring long hours in remote locations and rapidly changing conditions. During recent incidents, firefighters have worked tirelessly alongside partner agencies to bring fires under control and protect surrounding communities, wildlife and infrastructure.These incidents highlight the importance of our specialist wildfire capability, including off-road vehicles and equipment that allow us to access difficult terrain safely. However, prevention remains our most effective tool, and we’re asking the public to help reduce the risk by acting responsibly when visiting moorland areas.”
