Military stood down as firefighters make good progress at moorland fires
Thank you to the Army
Army troops sent to assist crews battling the unprecedented moorland fires in Tameside have been stood down, the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester has announced today (Friday, July 6, 2018).
Beverley Hughes, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime and Fire, said the order for military support to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) was not being extended into the weekend as firefighters are making good progress, although conditions remain challenging.
Meeting with army officials at Stalybridge Community Fire Station this morning, the Deputy Mayor thanked the Ministry of Defence for their support nine days after soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS) arrived in Greater Manchester to provide support to firefighters and officers who are now at the end of their second week of firefighting on the moorlands in Tameside.
A helicopter flyover was carried out this morning to assess the scene and the soldiers were immediately released.
The Deputy Mayor said: “We are extremely grateful to the Royal Regiment of Scotland troops for their support during this very challenging time and I want to thank them on behalf of the fire service and also the public of Greater Manchester.
“Today there are 11 GMFRS fire crews at the Tameside incident and good progress is being made – so much so that officers hope to be able to release crews from most of the other services by the weekend, with just a small number of special appliances and fire engines from Cheshire remaining for support.”
Maj Phil Morgan, Officer Commanding Alpha Company 4 SCOTS, said: “It’s been a real privilege to be involved in this firefighting effort. Not only has the task been completed but we have strengthened the bonds that already exist between the Army and our civilian partners.
“It has been a demanding but truly worthwhile task and my soldiers have met the challenge with absolute commitment and pride in their role, showing they are always ready to serve. We’d like to thank all of the agencies who have made our job easier, in particular GMFRS for its leadership and the wider community for making us feel so welcome.”
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
If you would like to share an interesting story, achievement, photo or something you just want to happily shout about please send it in an email to hello@saddleworthlife.com We'd ❤ to hear from you!!
