Crews are working in ‘extremely challenging conditions’
Three separate fire services were tackling multiple blazes across the Peak District today (July 16) with crews working in ‘extremely challenging conditions’.
Firefighters from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have been battling wildfires near to Dovestone Reservoir since Saturday night (July 11). Shania Care-Slede, 20, has since been charged with aggravated arson in relation to the incident.
They have also been tackling a separate wildfire near Swineshaw Reservoir which broke out on Tuesday (July 14). Both are said to be ‘deep within remote and inaccessible moorland’ only accessible on foot, from the air or on specialist vehicles.
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Officers said there had been ‘encouraging’ signs of progress but that firefighting operations were ‘likely to continue for a long time’.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service are also tackling a blaze that has broken out at Tintwistle Moor, close by these two other fires, which has been burning on and off for more than three weeks.
Both fire services have thanked the public for their donations of food and drink and have pleaded with locals to avoid the area as much as possible.
In a dramatic update this afternoon, a moor fire has broken out in a third county nearby, with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirming that a fire had started off Woodhead Pass after a car set alight following a crash and came into contact with moorland.
The road remains shut in both directions between the A57 (Hollingworth) and A616 (Flouch), with SYFR telling National Highways they expect to remain at the scene fighting the fire ‘until at least Sunday’.
Shocking photos from the scene show a black car completely engulfed in the blaze, with smoke and flames billowing from the vehicle, having left the road and crashed on adjacent moorland just after 1.30pm.
All three fires, combined with recent warm, dry and windy conditions, have sent significant amounts of smoke blowing towards Manchester, with south Manchester and Stockport particularly affected.
Residents in Offerton reported tonight that the smell of smoke was ‘worse than ever’ and said they were forced to shut doors and windows after a slight improvement in air quality in recent days.
Health experts have advised people with underlying respiratory conditions and the very young and old to shut doors and windows, remain inside where possible and keep using prescribed medication to manage their symptoms.
In their latest update, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said: “Firefighters returned this morning to the major wildfire incident at Tintwistle after scaling back operations overnight.
“Yesterday, around 80 firefighting personnel were working at the scene. Crews continue to contain and supress the fire while protecting nearby communities, property and the environment.
“Today, firefighters are tackling hotspots in the Digsbury Intake, Featherbed Moss and Crowden areas. The main focus of operations is currently near Arnfield Moor.
“Ground crews and aerial firefighting resources will remain in action throughout the day, supported by neighbouring fire and rescue services and partner agencies.
“Please continue to support us by avoiding the area and staying off the moorland. If you must travel through the area, please expect some disruption on the nearby section of the A628 while safe access to the incident scene is maintained.”
Of the fires near Dovestones and Swineshaw Reservoirs, GMFRS said in an update today: “Crews have continued working throughout the night and into today, making steady progress across both incidents.
“Today’s operations continue to remain focused on containing the fires, reducing hotspots and preventing further spread across the moorland.”
Paul Fearnhead, Incident Commander at GMFRS, said: “Our firefighters and partner agencies have been working tirelessly over the past week in extremely challenging conditions, day and night.
“Much of the fireground is deep within remote and inaccessible moorland, which can only be reached on foot, with specialist vehicles, or with support from the air.
“While there are encouraging signs of progress, both incidents remain active and continue to require a significant multi-agency response to tackle these wildfires.
“Although wind speeds have eased since yesterday and earlier in the week, resulting smoke still remains a challenge and may still affect nearby communities. Firefighting operations are likely to continue for some time.
“We would like to thank local communities for their continued patience, support and understanding. The best way people can help is by avoiding the affected areas, keeping access routes clear and following any public safety and health advice.”
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