Pictures show helicopters tackling Peak District wildfire as Woodhead Pass remains closed
The fire has been raging for close to a month now
Firefighters are hard at work tackling a ‘major incident’ as a fire tears through the Peak District.
Crews first responded to the wildfire at Tintwistle Moor in Glossop, Derbyshire, on June 24, and have been doing their best to manage the blaze ever since.
It was declared a major incident on Monday, July 13, with helicopters dipping water over the moorland.
The Woodhead Pass, which is the major road linking Sheffield and Manchester, has been closed for the past week as work continues.
Now, pictures have shown the difficult work being carried out by the fire service.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said on Monday (July 20) that 65 firefighters were on the scene, alongside 15 personnel from mountain rescue teams and 10 from United Utilities.
A spokesperson for the service added: “As we head into the school holidays and firefighting operations continue, we are asking members of the public to support the response by avoiding affected moorland areas and complying with all restrictions and road closures.
“The A628 remains closed in both directions between Hollingworth and Flouch to allow emergency responders and partner agencies safe access.
“We are also reminding people not to fly drones in areas affected by the Tintwistle Moor wildfire or the separate wildfire at Dovestone Reservoir and Swineshaw Moor. Airspace restrictions remain in place over both incidents to enable aerial firefighting operations to continue safely and effectively. Flying a drone in either area could disrupt these operations and place crews at risk.
“Smoke may still be visible in some areas and can travel significant distances depending on weather conditions and wind direction. Please continue to follow public health advice and take appropriate precautions.”