Moorland Inferno: Residents Warned as Blazes Rage On

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) has issued a critical update regarding the ongoing Tintwistle Moor wildfire, which crews have been battling for three weeks. As part of a strategic response, a controlled burn commenced on Saturday night, July 18, along the Pennine Way in the Crowden area. This tactical measure aims to contain the persistent blaze by carefully removing vegetation that could otherwise fuel its spread, a crucial step in preventing further escalation.

The controlled burn is expected to produce a significant increase in smoke over the next 24 hours. Due to prevailing easterly winds, this smoke plume is anticipated to be carried towards Manchester, potentially affecting residents in the area. DFRS has urged local communities to exercise caution, advising them to avoid the Tintwistle area entirely and to keep windows and doors closed if they are affected by the smoke. Residents are also specifically requested not to contact the Control team to report smoke, as the service is fully aware of the planned operation and has specialist crews on site.

This containment effort is not an isolated one; DFRS is working in close collaboration with Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS) to address a separate wildfire occurring across the border. Both services are sharing specialist resources and coordinating their operations to manage the dual threats. Previously, two helicopters were deployed to drop water on both the Tintwistle Moor wildfire and the Greater Manchester blaze, demonstrating the scale of the ongoing efforts.

Fire crews are committed to remaining at the scene in Tintwistle into the following week, continuing their tireless work to bring the wildfire under control. The fire service has expressed its appreciation for the patience and understanding of the local communities affected by these operations and the resulting smoke, emphasizing the necessity of these measures for public safety and environmental protection.