As the region prepares for record-breaking temperatures at the weekend and into next week, firefighters in Greater Manchester are urging people to act responsibly.

It comes after fire crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) spent the night tackling two moorland fires in Oldham and Bolton on Monday (July 11).

A total of 10 fire engines from stations across Greater Manchester were called to a fire near Dovestone Reservoir.

Earlier, in Bolton, crews used two hose reels to extinguish a fire caused by a disposable barbecue on a grass area near Wilton Quarry.

Water manager for GMFRS, station manager Alex Sugden said: “Every year, fires destroy countryside and wildlife across Greater Manchester and they are often caused by carelessness.

"We urge people enjoying the countryside to please never bring a barbecue. Fires on moorland can be incredibly dangerous, causing huge disruption to local communities, and taking up the time of our fire crews who may be needed for other serious incidents.”

GMFRS is also issuing a reminder about the dangers of jumping into or swimming in open water as part of its annual water safety campaign.

The campaign shares heartbreaking stories of family members and friends who have lost loved ones in accidental drownings, to help prevent similar incidents from happening.

GMFRS firefighters have been called to 41 fatal water incidents in the last five years, and a number of those were young people who got into difficulty after jumping or swimming in open water on hot days across Greater Manchester.

Area manager and head of prevention at GMFRS, Billy Fenwick, said: “Unfortunately we see tragic incidents of accidental drownings when the weather is warmer, as people attempt to cool off in open water.

“We are urging people to never be tempted to jump into any open water or swim in open water where it is not an organised event – it may be warm outside, but the water is not.

"Cold Water Shock can kill even strong swimmers and there is also the risk of dangers lurking beneath the surface which may cause drowning.”

Temperatures in Oldham are expected to reach 31C next week, with an amber alert issued by the Met Office for extreme heat covering Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.