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In pictures: Fire near Saddleworth Moor

Getty Images Saddleworth Moor fireGetty Images
The blaze at Saddleworth Moor has been raging since Sunday

A blaze scorching a path near Saddleworth Moor is continuing to spread as England bakes in hot weather.

More than 50 homes have been evacuated and fire crews are dumping water on the tinder-dry hills on foot and from above.

The fire has been spreading for days and billowing smoke can be seen rising above Greater Manchester for miles.

The Army is on standby to provide assistance as firefighters struggle to contain the flames.

'Apocalyptic' moors fire continues to rage

Live updates from the Moor blaze

'You could hardly breathe'

PA Saddleworth Moor firePA
The flames have been fanned by evening winds
Kenthe Walker Saddleworth Moor fireKenthe Walker
Villagers in Greenfield can see plumes of white smoke
PA Saddleworth Moor firePA
Pockets of fire remain along the affected 3.7-mile (6km) stretch
Alex Glover View from GrasscroftAlex Glover
A haze of smoke drifts across Grasscroft
PA Saddleworth Moor firePA
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue crews are battling through the smoke
PA Saddleworth Moor firePA
Crews are damping down blazing patches
Getty Images Smoke in StalybridgeGetty Images
Thick smoke lingered over nearby Stalybridge
PA Moor firePA
Firefighters say the sheer scale of the fire makes battling it a challenge
Anthony Devlin/Getty Images Saddleworth fireAnthony Devlin/Getty Images
The fire was accompanied by a dramatic full moon on Tuesday night

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