A significant wildfire has broken out on Tintwistle Moor in the Peak District, burning approximately 400 square metres of moorland and woodland as the UK experiences record-breaking June temperatures. The fire, which began around 10pm on Wednesday, is being tackled by crews from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
Firefighting Efforts and Road Closures
Six fire crews, a water carrier, and a welfare unit have been deployed to the scene near Glossop and Tameside. Firefighters briefly left the area at 2am due to failing light but returned by 4am to continue operations. The A628 Woodhead Pass remains closed between the Gun Inn at Mottram Moor (A57) and the roundabout at Flouch (A616 junction), with National Highways advising motorists to use the M62 as an alternative route.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has urged the public to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke affecting visibility and air quality. The service also reiterated warnings against using disposable barbecues, lighting fires, leaving litter, or discarding glass bottles in the countryside during hot, dry conditions.
Record-Breaking June Heat
The wildfire coincides with a severe heatwave that has pushed temperatures to 36.7C in Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday afternoon, provisionally making it the hottest June day ever recorded in the UK. This surpasses the previous record of 36.1C set in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday, and the long-standing June record from the summer of 1976.
Jon Pearce, MP for High Peak, commented on Facebook: "I'm saddened to see the wildfire on Tintwistle Moor. High Peak is the most vulnerable constituency to wildfires in the UK, and it's vital that we all do our part to protect our moorlands, countryside and communities, especially during periods of hot, dry weather like we're experiencing now." He added: "This fire is a stark reminder of how vulnerable our moorlands are during hot, dry weather. If you're enjoying the countryside this summer, please take care: don't use disposable barbecues, don't light fires, take your litter home and never leave glass bottles behind."
Impact and Safety Advice
The fire has affected both wooded and grassed areas above Woodhead Road, with dramatic footage released by the Derby Mountain Rescue Team illustrating the scale of the blaze. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise the public to stay clear of the affected area. The Met Office has also issued warnings about ongoing hot weather and the risk of further wildfires.
