THE WOMAN accused of starting a wildfire at Dove Stone Reservoir has denied charges of arson and aggravated arson.
Shania Care-Slede, aged 20 and of Market Street in Hyde, appeared via video link at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday, August 21 in connection with the moorland blaze, which police continue to ask the public to stop sharing posts and speculation online about.
She did plead guilty to one count of dangerous driving, which Judge Tina Landale agreed to separate from the arson charges she pleaded not guilty to.
They are described as that on July 11, 2026 she committed aggravated arson ‘destroying by fire moorland belonging to United Utilities’, being reckless as to whether the life of others was endangered.
The separate charge of arson detailed that on the same date, without lawful excuse, she ‘destroyed by fire’ moorland belonging to United Utilities being reckless as to whether it was destroyed or damaged.
Firefighters from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service were first called to Dove Stone on July 11, in response to a blaze which spiralled rapidly out of control.
It then combined with a second, unconnected, moorland fire which had started in Tintwistle, Derbyshire.
At its peak, more than 70 firefighters and volunteers were deployed to the scene armed with 11 fire engines, four wildlife units, and helicopters to contain the blaze.”
The resulting smoke spread as far as Salford Quays – approximately 12 miles away from Saddleworth – with multiple road closures put in place around the reservoir.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is no longer treating the fire as a ‘major incident’, though has warned people to remain clear of the area.
The court heard four other people have been arrested and interviewed in relation to the fire.
A provisional trial date for both arson charges has been set for May 17, 2027. Care-Slede will be sentenced for the dangerous driving charges on September 29.
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