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In pictures: Fire near Saddleworth Moor

The blaze at Saddleworth Moor has been raging since Sunday

Getty Images Saddleworth Moor fire — 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'

The flames have been fanned by evening winds

PA Saddleworth Moor fire — The flames have been fanned by evening winds

Villagers in Greenfield can see plumes of white smoke

Kenthe Walker Saddleworth Moor fire — Villagers in Greenfield can see plumes of white smoke

Pockets of fire remain along the affected 3.7-mile (6km) stretch

PA Saddleworth Moor fire — Pockets of fire remain along the affected 3.7-mile (6km) stretch

A haze of smoke drifts across Grasscroft

Alex Glover View from Grasscroft — A haze of smoke drifts across Grasscroft

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue crews are battling through the smoke

PA Saddleworth Moor fire — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue crews are battling through the smoke

Crews are damping down blazing patches

PA Saddleworth Moor fire — Crews are damping down blazing patches

Thick smoke lingered over nearby Stalybridge

Getty Images Smoke in Stalybridge — Thick smoke lingered over nearby Stalybridge

Firefighters say the sheer scale of the fire makes battling it a challenge

PA Moor fire — Firefighters say the sheer scale of the fire makes battling it a challenge

The fire was accompanied by a dramatic full moon on Tuesday night

Anthony Devlin/Getty Images Saddleworth fire — The fire was accompanied by a dramatic full moon on Tuesday night

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'Apocalyptic' moors fire continues to rage