Firefighters from three separate fire services are battling multiple moorland blazes across the Peak District, with crews working in extremely challenging conditions. The fires, which have been burning for days, were exacerbated on July 16 when a car crash near Woodhead Pass ignited a new fire in South Yorkshire.
Car crash sparks new blaze
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that a fire broke out on Woodhead Pass after a car caught fire following a crash and came into contact with moorland. The road remains closed in both directions between the A57 (Hollingworth) and A616 (Flouch), with SYFR telling National Highways they expect to remain at the scene until at least Sunday. Photos show the car completely engulfed in flames after leaving the road and crashing on adjacent moorland just after 1.30pm.
Ongoing fires in Greater Manchester and Derbyshire
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has been battling wildfires near Dovestone Reservoir since July 11. Shania Care-Slede, 20, has been charged with aggravated arson in relation to that incident. A separate wildfire near Swineshaw Reservoir broke out on July 14. Both fires are deep within remote and inaccessible moorland, accessible only on foot, from the air, or via specialist vehicles.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service is also tackling a blaze on Tintwistle Moor, which has been burning on and off for more than three weeks. On July 16, around 80 firefighting personnel were at the scene, focusing on hotspots in Digsbury Intake, Featherbed Moss, Crowden, and Arnfield Moor.
Impact on communities
The combined fires, along with warm, dry, and windy conditions, have sent significant smoke towards Manchester, particularly affecting south Manchester and Stockport. Residents in Offerton reported that the smell of smoke was 'worse than ever' and were forced to shut doors and windows. Health experts advise people with respiratory conditions, the very young, and the elderly to stay indoors and use prescribed medication.
Fire service updates
Paul Fearnhead, Incident Commander at GMFRS, said: 'Our firefighters and partner agencies have been working tirelessly over the past week in extremely challenging conditions, day and night. Much of the fireground is deep within remote and inaccessible moorland, which can only be reached on foot, with specialist vehicles, or with support from the air.' He added that while there are encouraging signs of progress, both incidents remain active and firefighting operations are likely to continue for some time.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said: 'Ground crews and aerial firefighting resources will remain in action throughout the day, supported by neighbouring fire and rescue services and partner agencies.' They urged the public to avoid the area and expect disruption on the A628.
