Moorland fire breaks out near Peel Tower in Ramsbottom

Tuesday, 13 May 2025 12:02

By David Murphy

A fire has broken out on the moorland near Peel Tower in Ramsbottom, with residents urged to avoid the area.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has been contacted after the fire was reported late Tuesday morning, 13 May. Smoke and flames have been visible from across the valley, with local people sharing photos and videos on Facebook groups.

The fire appears to have started on the hills near the monument, which sits on Holcombe Moor. The scale of the blaze is currently unclear, and there is no confirmation yet from GMFRS on how many crews are involved.

Greater Manchester Police are on scene, alongside the fire service.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said:

“At around 12pm today (Tuesday 13 May), three fire engines from Bolton Central, Bury and Ramsbottom fire stations and a specialist fire appliance attended a moorland fire around Holcombe Hill, Bury.

“Firefighters are using one hose reel and beaters to tackle the blaze. Crews remain in attendance and are working with Greater Manchester Police to create a cordon. The public are advised to avoid the area and to keep windows and doors closed if nearby."

Residents are being asked to stay away from the area for safety and to allow fire crews access.

Peel Tower is a well-known local landmark and walking spot. Fires in the area are not uncommon during dry weather.

Update: 16:00

Fire crews remain at the scene on Holcombe Hill, supported by additional vehicles and a water bowser.

Councillor Gareth Staple-Jones said the blaze is now smaller than initially feared and appears to be under control. Greater Manchester Police have blocked access at Cross Lane to support the operation. Councillor Staple-Jones praised the swift response from both GMP and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, adding: “Really grateful we have such brilliant personnel on the scene.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.
Culture Co-op secures £1 million to give Rochdale residents more say over arts and creativity

Rochdale’s Culture Co-op has been awarded £1 million to put local people at the heart of cultural decision-making, as part of a £42 million national programme run by Arts Council England.
Hollin pupils turn happiness into poetry during magical session in Middleton

Middleton Library plays host to spellbinding session with Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver
Waugh presses government to ensure grooming inquiry tackles race and class ‘head on’

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh says national grooming inquiry must win survivors’ trust and 'follow the evidence wherever it leads’
Goodbye garlic bread? Sandbrook Park Pizza Hut to shut as 68 UK branches axed

Rochdale’s Pizza Hut restaurant is among dozens of UK branches set to permanently shut, after the company that operated the brand in the UK fell into administration.