Firefighters return to Peak District blaze which has been raging for five days

Firefighters have made an early morning return to Rakes Moss, the scene of a moorland fire that started burning on, Thursday 23 April, off the A628 Crowden to Glossop.

For the fifth day, fire crews from Derbyshire and Greater Manchester, supported by landowners United Utilities and Peak Park Rangers, are working to extinguish the fire using a combination of beaters, specialist Argo cat vehicles with high pressure hoses and helicopters.

Firefighters are continuing to damp down hot spots and prevent any further spread as they tackle the fire from all fronts.

Work is expected to continue throughout today with the return of two support helicopters.

The cause of the blaze currently remains a mystery, but conditions across the moorland have been described as incredibly dry.

The warm weather experienced across Derbyshire in the last week, will have undoubtedly played its part.

Volunteers from the Salvation Army are continuing to provide much needed food and refreshments to the crews working in the heat and challenging conditions. A spokesman for the fire service said: 2A huge thank you goes out to the Salvation Army for providing this support.”

Derbyshire currently have crews from Glossop, Bradwell, Whaley Bridge, Buxton and Alfreton at the scene, with crews from Chapel-en-le-Frith, Staveley and Bolsover scheduled to return to provide relief later today.

With the continued efforts of everyone involved, the situation regarding the fire will hopefully be resolved very soon.