Update after major incident declared as fire crews continue to tackle Peak District wildfires

Fire crews returned to the site of Tintwistle Moor wildfire near Glossop around 1.15 am this morning (Monday, July 13) following reports that the fire had escalated due to high winds.

It has been reported that the ‘large-scale’ wildfire is affecting around 500 acres of land.

The moorland has been affected by wildfire for most of the last three weeks, with first reports of the blaze on June 24.

Members of the public are asked to avoid the area and observe road and footpath closures.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) said: “Firefighters remain at the scene of the wildfire at Tintwistle Moor this morning.

“Crews returned to the area at around 01:15 hours following reports that the fire had escalated due to high winds and active firefighting has resumed.

“Five fire engines, two Unimogs, an argocat, command unit and water carrier are in attendance supported by partner agencies.

“Please continue to avoid the area and do not ignore any road and footpath closure”

This comes after DFRS has declared a major incident due to the impact of the wildfire around 11pm last night (Sunday, July 12).

Area Manager Ellie Gillatt said: "Firefighters continue to face challenging conditions as they work to tackle the wildfire and protect the surrounding infrastructure and environment.

"This remains a significant and complex incident, requiring a protracted, multi-agency response. DFRS has deployed multiple fire appliances and specialist wildfire resources, supported by neighbouring fire and rescue services and partner agencies including the Peak District Fire Operations Group, United Utilities, Derby Mountain Rescue and Derbyshire Constabulary.

"While active firefighting operations will pause this evening, given the scale of the wildfire and the challenging terrain, operations will resume in the morning and are expected to continue for some time.

“We would once again urge members of the public to avoid the affected area to allow emergency services and partner agencies to work safely and efficiently to bring this incident under control.

"Please follow any road and footpath closures, and keep windows and doors closed if affected by smoke.”

This comes as Derbyshire firefighters continue to tackle another wildfire near to Arnfield Farm and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) are tackling a blaze on moors above Dovestone Reservoir in Greenfield, Saddleworth, which was first reported on Saturday (July 11).

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

A spokesperson for Peak District Moorland Group said: “With the Crowden [Tintwistle Moor] wildfire still raging and looking like a different area burning now in addition to the original fire which started over 2 weeks ago.

"RSPB Dovestone is also burning furiously, with the heat, wind direction, slope and fuel loads stacking against those crews fighting this incident.

"We have unsubstantiated information as to the likely cause of this wildfire, but without corroborating proof we will not speculate at this stage.”

As fire crews continue tackling a number of wildfire across the Peak District and surrounding areas, Derby Mountain Rescue Team came across a BBQ at Dovedale on Saturday (July 11).

DFRS has now issued an urgent warning to members of the public to help prevent wildfires – including observing BBQ bans.

A DFRS spokesperson said: “All the warm weather has left the ground and vegetation tinder dry, meaning the risk of wildfires is high.

“These fires often require significant firefighting resources that could otherwise be responding to life-threatening emergencies across Derbyshire.

“Help your local crew and community by: Not having garden fires. Visit your local authority website for details of how to dispose of rubbish.

“Leave the BBQ at home and don't light campfires. These are banned in many areas of the Peak District.

“Take all rubbish with you, especially glass bottles as they can magnify the suns rays on spark a fire.”