IT may be one of the hottest days of the year in the UK but that's nothing compared to the heat firefighters are currently contending with as a wildfire continues to rage over Saddleworth Moor.

To support Greater Manchester Fire Service, crews from across Cheshire have been drafted in to help tackle the fire in the blistering heat.

Gus O’Rourke, assistant chief fire officer for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "If you were to describe it you would say it's the closest thing to hell on Earth.

"The smoke and the heat sting your eyes – it's horrendous conditions.

"The men and women who we have sent to help have been coming back saying how difficult it was.

"We are no stranger to this but it is difficult as it is in a remote area and we need to transport water there.

"We have to rotate the crews constantly so they don't get dehydrated."

At the height of the blaze, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service had sent over six water pumps and associated crews.

The 56-year-old, who attended Beamont Technical School, said: "For this type of incident it is as difficult as it gets.

"Fire doesn't have any boundaries.

"It will try to spread into Cheshire."

For five days, crews have been working relentlessly to control the blaze.

While it has been treacherous conditions, the support of the public has given many firefighters the boost they needed.

"The public always do their best to help and we all truly appreciate it," said Gus, who has worked at the fire service for 26 years.

Pockets of fire continue to burn across a seven square miles of moorland as firefighters work to contain the situation amid the ongoing heatwave.

Smoke has been reported as travelling as far as Birchwood.

A total of 34 homes near the flames were evacuated on Tuesday night as a precaution when strong winds pushed flames near their properties.

A major incident was declared and the Army will help Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) for the next 48 hours to douse the fire which initially broke out on Sunday afternoon before it reignited the following day and has since worsened.

The blaze is currently under control but could flare up at any time depending on the wind direction and the heat, the fire service said. It has spread across seven square miles.