Residents issued ‘increased smoke’ warning as battle against moorland fires rages on

There is expected to be increased smoke carried over Manchester over the next 24 hours

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The fire service have warned of increased smoke over the next 24 hours as a controlled burn is carried out as part of its response to the continued Tintwistle Moor wildfire.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service issued an update at 10.30pm on Saturday, July 18 after they have been tackling the blaze for three weeks.

Crews are expected to remain at the scene in Tintwistle into next week, continuing to ‘work tirelessly to contain the fire’.

The controlled burn that started on Saturday night will take place along the Pennine Way in the Crowden area in an attempt to stop the fires spreading.

As a result, there will be more smoke produced and carried over Manchester due to the easterly winds.

The fire service have urged residents to avoid the Tintwistle area and to keep your windows and doors closed.

A statement said: “Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is carrying out a controlled burn this evening as part of its response to the Tintwistle Moor wildfire.

“This is a planned tactical measure along the Pennine Way in the Crowden area to help contain the wildfire in Derbyshire, while also supporting Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service’s response to the separate wildfire across the border.

“By carefully burning vegetation in a controlled way, firefighters can remove fuel that would otherwise allow the fires to spread further.

“We are aware that the controlled burn will result in increased smoke over the next 24 hours. Current easterly winds are continuing to carry the smoke plume towards Manchester.

“We appreciate that this may be noticeable to residents, but please do not call our Control team to report the smoke, as they are already aware of the situation and specialist crews are carrying out this planned operation.

“Please avoid the Tintwistle area and, if you are affected by smoke, keep your windows and doors closed. We appreciate the impact this may have on local communities and thank them for their patience and understanding.”

The fire service earlier announced they had two helicopters dropping water on both the Tintwistle Moor wildfire and a separate wildfire across the border in Greater Manchester.

They are working closely with Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service to lead their own operations and share specialist resources.