Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service was called shortly before 8.45pm to reports of a fire on open moorland near the popular visitor destination.
Five fire engines from Mossley, Stalybridge, Hyde, Bolton North and Littleborough attended alongside specialist wildfire units and officers.
Firefighters found a grass fire burning on the moor and used grass beaters and backpack water units to bring the blaze under control while preventing it from spreading further.
Residents across Saddleworth reported seeing thick smoke rising from the hillside, with some saying they heard loud bangs shortly before the fire was spotted. There is currently no evidence to suggest those reports are linked to the cause of the blaze.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has advised nearby residents and visitors to keep doors and windows closed because of smoke in the area.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established and crews remained at the scene into the night.
The incident came less than 24 hours after the death of an 18 year old man at Dovestone Reservoir, although there is nothing to suggest the two incidents are connected.
