Peak District blaze likened to ‘something from Mars’ after raging for four days

Crews from Derbyshire and Greater Manchester continue to try and to bring a moorland fire at Rakes Moss, which started burning on Thursday (23 April), under control.

The fire is taking place off the A628 Crowden, near Glossop.

The cause of the blaze – the second in the area in a week – is not currently known, but conditions on moorland across the country are reportedly ‘tinder dry’.

The flames, which have been fought with a helicopter dropping water, have been likened to ‘something from Mars’. Pictures posted online by Derbyshire Fire & Rescue show swathes of moorland ravaged by the fire.

Firefighters have been supported by landowners, United Utilities, and Peak Park Rangers to extinguish the fire using a combination of beaters, specialist Argo cat vehicles with high pressure hoses and helicopters.

They continue 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 support of two helicopters.

Fire crews from Glossop, Bradwell, Whaley Bridge, Buxton and Alfreton were at the scene on Sunday morning, with crews from Chapel-en-le-Frith, Staveley and Bolsover scheduled help tackle the fire later in the day.

Volunteers from the Salvation Army have also provided food and refreshments to the crews working in the heat and “challenging” conditions.