Salvation Army receives thanks for continued support at Saddleworth Moor fires

Emergency response vehicles run by teams from The Salvation Army in the north-west have been supporting blue-light services and rescue teams on Saddleworth Moor since fires broke out on Monday.

Around 20 volunteers from the Central North division have been supplying food and refreshments to more than 70 firefighters, Oldham and Glossop mountain rescue teams, park rangers and farmers, as fires continue to blaze across the moors today (Wednesday).

In the first two days of supporting crews, Salvation Army volunteers served more than 1,000 drinks, 600 chocolate bars and have made sandwiches using 40 loaves of bread – all in an effort to keep emergency responders hydrated and energised.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service group manager for Tameside, Phil Nelson, said: “It is physically draining working at this incident and it is vital that our firefighters have regular breaks and that relief crews are available to take over.

"I would like to thank the Salvation Army for keeping our crews fed and watered during this incident.”

Major Nigel Tansley, from The Salvation Army, is co-ordinating volunteers who are working in shifts on the emergency response vehicle and said: “We are working hard to support the firefighters on the scene.  Our volunteers will be here for as long as the emergency services need our help.”