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UK's largest wildfire: How it started and what are the consequences

A wildfire that started on June 24 in Saddleworth Moor, Greater Manchester, still hasn't died down.
On June 24, a wildfire started in Saddleworth Moor due to chaffing of dry grass. The fire was brought under control, but because of heat, the fire continued to grow. About 4500 acres of land has been destroyed by the fire. IN PICS: firefighters seen tackl
On June 24, a wildfire started in Saddleworth Moor due to chaffing of dry grass. The fire was brought under control, but because of heat, the fire continued to grow. About 4500 acres of land has been destroyed by the fire. IN PICS: firefighters seen tackl
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Heatwave is considered the main reason for the fire and unusually, this June has been the hottest since 1995, with temperatures going above 30 degrees celsius. (Photo | AP)
Heatwave is considered the main reason for the fire and unusually, this June has been the hottest since 1995, with temperatures going above 30 degrees celsius. (Photo | AP)
Other large fires are also burning concurrently on Lancashire's Winter Hill, in Londonderry's Glenshane Pass, the Vale of Rheidol in Wales and in Northern Ireland. (Photo | AP)
Other large fires are also burning concurrently on Lancashire's Winter Hill, in Londonderry's Glenshane Pass, the Vale of Rheidol in Wales and in Northern Ireland. (Photo | AP)
The fires are still raging and 160 firfighters are still working to put it out. About 100 military personnel have also been deployed. (Photo | AP)
The fires are still raging and 160 firfighters are still working to put it out. About 100 military personnel have also been deployed. (Photo | AP)
According to the firefighters' estimate, the wildfire could go on for weeks. Although wildfires are common the firefighters say that they have not come across one of this magnitude. (Photo | AP)
According to the firefighters' estimate, the wildfire could go on for weeks. Although wildfires are common the firefighters say that they have not come across one of this magnitude. (Photo | AP)
A recent study from Union of Concerned Scientists shows that wildfires around the world have become longer over the past 40 years, and the trend is due to climate change. As greenhouse gases increase on the earth surface, the soil becomes dry and susceptible to fires. (Photo | AP)
A recent study from Union of Concerned Scientists shows that wildfires around the world have become longer over the past 40 years, and the trend is due to climate change. As greenhouse gases increase on the earth surface, the soil becomes dry and susceptible to fires. (Photo | AP)
Other scientists have commented that this is just the beginning for UK, and the number of such incidents will increase in Northern Europe, especially in Ireland and UK. (Photo | AP)
Other scientists have commented that this is just the beginning for UK, and the number of such incidents will increase in Northern Europe, especially in Ireland and UK. (Photo | AP)
The moorlands of UK contain a lot of peat (organic matter with high carbon content). These peaty moorland used to help keep the earth warm during cold days. But on hot days such as the ones this month, the peat acts as fuel to wildfire. (Photo | AP)
The moorlands of UK contain a lot of peat (organic matter with high carbon content). These peaty moorland used to help keep the earth warm during cold days. But on hot days such as the ones this month, the peat acts as fuel to wildfire. (Photo | AP)
Plenty of carbon is released because of the burning peat, which has a direct impact on the environment and health. (Photo | AP)
Plenty of carbon is released because of the burning peat, which has a direct impact on the environment and health. (Photo | AP)
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UK Wildfire

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