In pictures: Fire near Saddleworth Moor

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Saddleworth Moor fireImage source, Getty Images
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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'

Saddleworth Moor fireImage source, PA
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The flames have been fanned by evening winds

Saddleworth Moor fireImage source, Kenthe Walker
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Villagers in Greenfield can see plumes of white smoke

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

View from GrasscroftImage source, Alex Glover
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A haze of smoke drifts across Grasscroft

Saddleworth Moor fireImage source, PA
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Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue crews are battling through the smoke

Saddleworth Moor fireImage source, PA
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Crews are damping down blazing patches

Smoke in StalybridgeImage source, Getty Images
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Thick smoke lingered over nearby Stalybridge

Moor fireImage source, PA
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Firefighters say the sheer scale of the fire makes battling it a challenge

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

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