Sun … that pervading smell of burning …. and a worsening air quality

Today, on another hot day across the city and beyond we are still experiencing the fall out from the moors fire above Oldham. 

The Manchester Evening News tells me that “The huge moor fires near Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham and on Tintwistle Moor near Glossop are continuing to send huge plumes of smoke across our region and beyond”*.

And inevitably the air quality has taken a nose dive, with  Stockport, udged as unhealthy.

While other areas in Greater Manchester, including  Withington, Hulme and Chorlton have been classified as 'moderate', and yet other areas being good according to the Air Quality Index.**

Over the last few days, the degree of intrusion has varied and this morning at six the air was fresh but by midday it was poor and there was a distinct haze across the Rec.

Happily, by midafternoon the effects of the fire were less visible here in Chorlton but on a day when it would be pleasant to have the windows slightly open they have remained closed.

Location; Greater Manchester

Picture; The Rec, Beech Road, Chorlton, 2026, from the collection of Andrew Simpson

*New Greater Manchester air quality map shows devastating moors fires impact with one borough hardest hit by smoke, Charlotte Fisher, Reporter, Manchester Evening News, July 14th, 2026, https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/new-greater-manchester-air-quality-34286797

**Air quality in Manchester, https://www.iqair.com/gb/air-quality/uk/england/manchester