‘Please stay away’ – Fire chiefs warn public to avoid Peak District beauty spot

Bamford Edge near Ladybower reservoir was engulfed in flames on Saturday while thick smoke billowed down the Derwent valley.

The Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service say five fire engines from Whaley Bridge, Glossop, Dronfield, Matlock and Chapel-en-le-Frith remain at the scene this morning as well as a fire service drone.

They added New Road in Bamford remained closed and appealed for members of the public to help them by staying away from the popular sightseeing spot.

Speaking at the scene, station manager Paul Smith said: “Cyclists, walkers and cars are flocking to the area and are blocking the way for emergency service vehicles to access the moorland safely.

“People are also coming to have a look at the fire and forgetting current government advice to stay at least two meters apart from each other.

“While we deal with the moorland fire, the added complication of accessing the site safely and managing members of the public is something we could do without. Please stay away!”

Firefighters continue to work with local farmers, landowners, gamekeepers and Peak Park Rangers to contain and extinguish the fire. The police drone unit is also supporting the incident.

The Peak District National Park Authority also appealed for people to stay away and tweeted out evidence of the impact of the fire on ground-nesting birds in the area.