THE army has been drafted in to tackle a vast moorland fire which has been raging on for days.

Fire chiefs in Greater Manchester requested the help after the task of around 100 firefighters was made more difficult due to changes in wind directions.

The firefighters have been tackling seven separate fronts of the blaze in an area believed to cover 6km across moorland in Tameside.

A number of homes had to be evacuated as a safety precaution on Tuesday night.

A police helicopter was deployed to assess the scene – where plumes of smoke can be seen from space via Nasa satellites – and discussions between fire bosses and their military counterparts followed.

“We have been liaising with a military advisor on the scene and following those discussions we have requested military assistance from the Ministry of Defence,” said Dave Keelan, director of emergency response at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).

“There’s still a lot of smoke from the fire but air quality levels are being monitored regularly in different locations. Air quality is currently at a safe level and therefore residents have been let back into their homes.

“We don’t know the cause of this incident at this stage and it would be very difficult to ascertain the cause due to the extent of the damage but we will be looking into that once we have tackled the fire.”

That assistance could include the utilising of extra personnel, four-wheel drive vehicles and possible air support, added Keelan.

Water firm United Utilities has provided a helicopter that can be used to drop water on areas of the fire that are difficult to access from foot while Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and the North West Ambulance hazardous area response team are also assisting.

Air quality levels in the area are being monitored regularly in different locations and air quality is at a safe level, with people in affected areas urged to keep their windows and doors closed, said GMFRS.

Experts warned that high levels of pollutants generated from the blaze, which started on Sunday, could have a significant impact on people’s health.

Hugh Coe, professor of atmospheric composition at the University of Manchester, said plume peak concentrations were “very high” and air quality close to the fire was “very poor”.

He said pollution plumes have been detected in the centre of Manchester.

Keelan said: “We are working with our colleagues in health and we are sampling the air to make sure it is within those safe limits, and we will be informing people in local areas if there is any concern or we need them to do anything in particular.”

Brenda Warrington, leader of Tameside Borough Council, said: “I think it’s fair to say the air is not toxic but it is tremendously irritating.

“We have no idea how long this situation will continue because it’s the weather conditions that will determine that and will dictate to us.”

Four local schools decided to close on Wednesday for the safety of their pupils.

Evacuees stayed the night with either family or friends but continue to wait for the authorities to assure them it is safe to return home.

The cause of the original seat of the fire – thought to be at Buckton Hill, which is land above Buckton Vale, Carrbrook – has not been established but fire chiefs said a detailed investigation will be launched at the appropriate time.

One possible line of inquiry could focus on the frequent gathering of off-road bikers – many not displaying registered plates – at a nearby large quarry.