A major wildfire near Greater Manchester has been burning for more than 24 hours on Tintwistle Moor, near Glossop, scorching over 500 square metres of moorland and woodland. Thick smoke has affected the villages of Tintwistle, Hollingworth and Woolley Bridge, with residents in Bolton, Crumpsall, Bury, Oldham and Rochdale reporting a strong smell of smoke and ash landing in gardens and on cars.
Firefighting Response and Road Closures
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service deployed six fire engines, a water-dropping helicopter, and moorland support teams after the fire broke out around 10pm on Wednesday. Crews expected to remain on scene overnight Thursday to contain the blaze. The Woodhead Pass (A628), a major route linking Manchester and South Yorkshire, was closed in both directions between the A57 for Hollingworth and the A616 for Flouch. National Highways advised motorists to use alternative trans-Pennine routes such as the M1, M62 and M60.
Weather Conditions and Warnings
The fire comes as the UK experiences record June temperatures, with severe high temperature warnings issued for much of the country, including Manchester and Derbyshire. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service warned: "The ground is tinder dry and the slightest spark from a campfire, a tiny burning ember from a barbecue, or a flake of ash from a discarded cigarette could soon escalate to a major incident so please act responsibly." The UK Health Security Agency extended its red heat-health alert to 11pm on Friday, only the second red alert ever issued by the agency. The Met Office also extended its red alert for south-east England until 9pm on Friday.
Impact on Local Communities
Residents in affected areas were urged to keep windows and doors shut and avoid the area. Dramatic drone footage posted by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service showed dense woodland burning rapidly with smoke pouring into the sky. The fire service emphasized the scale of the response required for wildfires, urging public caution as warm weather continues.
