Firefighters Battle Persistent Moorland Blaze
Fire crews have returned to Tintwistle Moor four days after a huge wildfire first broke out in the area. Emergency services initially attended the scene on Wednesday evening (June 24), with the blaze raging overnight and throughout Thursday. For more than two days, fire crews from Derbyshire and Greater Manchester worked to tackle the moorland fire, which sent huge plumes of smoke into the sky and scorched the ground and nearby woodland.
The incident forced police to close the busy Woodhead Pass route in both directions. Other road closures were implemented as an 'avoid the area' warning was put in place. Residents in nearby towns and villages, including Hadfield, Mottram, and Glossop, were told to keep their windows and doors closed.
Containment and Continued Efforts
The blaze was 'contained' on Friday (June 26), it was confirmed in an update, after 200 hectares of moorland were left badly scorched by the flames. However, in an update on Sunday (June 28), the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said they had returned to the site along with specialist mountain rescue teams. A footpath, Pennine Way, was shut off on Sunday amid the response.
United Utilities helicopters were once again drafted in to drop water onto the fire, which continued to 'burn deep in the peat bogs'. Another 'avoid the area' warning was put in place.
Challenging Conditions Continue
A fire service statement read: 'Firefighters from across Derbyshire and Greater Manchester are back on Tintwistle Moor today fighting a moorland fire that has been burning since Wednesday night. Officers and crews are working closely with partners, including those from the Peak District Fire Operations Group (FOG), to bring this incident to the quickest and safest conclusion.'
They returned to the scene at around 6am on Sunday (June 28) and are being supported by several specialist vehicles, including a helicopter from United Utilities. We currently have two helicopters operating on scene. Crews have faced extremely challenging conditions since firefighting operations began over an extensive area. Changes in wind speed and direction have contributed to flare-ups and work continues to fight the fire and bring the incident to a conclusion.
There are visible flames on Tintwistle Moor, and the fire is still burning deep in the peat bogs that form the landscape, making firefighting more challenging. Members of the public are asked to follow advice and please avoid the area.
