Helicopters were drafted in to pour water over the blaze as residents were warned to stay indoorsHuge moorland fire near Tameside
Ash fell over Greater Manchester as smoke clouds smothered parts of the region due to a major wildfire that tore through acres of moorland on Thursday (June 25).
For more than 24 hours, fire crews from Derbyshire and Greater Manchester desperately tried to tackle the moorland blaze near Tintwistle which sent huge plumes of smoke into the sky and scorched the ground and nearby woodland.
The incident forced police to close the busy Woodhead Pass route in both directions. Other road closures were implemented as an ‘avoid the area’ warning was put in place. Residents living in nearby towns and villages, including Hadfield, Mottram and Glossop were told to keep their windows and doors closed.
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The scale of the inferno meant the smouldering air could be smelt as far as Crumpsall, Rivington, Bolton, Bury, Oldham and Rochdale. People took to social media to complain of a strong stench in posts shared in various local Facebook groups.
An area of woodland also caught fire(Image: Derbyshire Fire Service)
As of around 7pm, smoke appeared to be blowing westwards from the blaze, which spanned a mammoth 500 square metres. People also claimed particles of ash had been seen falling in various places.
“We’re getting ash landing on us in back garden, Oldham Hollinwood,” one person commented. “Ash has dropped a little bit in Ashton,” a Tameside resident posted.
“Ash now and smell of smoke here,” a post read posted from the Rivington area of Bolton. “I think there’s little bits of ash falling from the sky from the fire”, someone else said in Chadderton.
Videos showed specialist United Utilities helicopters circling the site of the fire and dropping large amounts of water from height to try and dampen the ongoing blaze.
Dramatic pictures and videos showed huge plumes of smoke billowing from the Tintwistle Moor and covering the nearby area that could be seen for miles. One unbelievable image taken during Thursday afternoon from a Jet2 flight to Leeds showed the scale of the fire from an aerial view.
A view of the wildfire from a Jet2 plane over the region(Image: Submitted)
The scale of the wildfire meant smoke could be smelt as far as Bury and Bolton on Wednesday evening, prompting a series of confused posts to be shared on social media.
One, posted in a Whitefield and Prestwich community page, read: “It smells of smoke, what’s on fire?” A number of comments suggested it was local burning or someone enjoying a BBQ – when in fact the smoulder from the ongoing wildfire is spreading across the region.
Moorland fire above Tintwistle
“I assumed just my neighbours burning trash as always,” one person said. Another commented: “I can smell it and see it I presumed everyone was having bbqs.”
“Can smell it and I’m in Bolton,” another added. “I can smell it in Unsworth? Thought it was someone’s Bbq!” posted a fourth..
The Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service were first called to the blaze at around 10pm on Wednesday (June 25) with large emergency teams drafted in, including from Greater Manchester. They said they would remain at the scene overnight and into Friday (June 26).
The latest statement, in which the fire service issued an urgent public warning, read: “Firefighters from Derbyshire and Greater Manchester are continuing to tackle the fire and are expected to remain on scene into the night.
“Six fire engines are in attendance supported by a high volume pump, command support unit, water carrier, moorland vehicles and a helicopter from United Utilities which is being used to drop water onto the fire.
Smoke billowed into the air and blew over Greater Manchester(Image: MEN MEDIA)
“Once again a huge thank you for the continued support being provided by our colleagues and partners, including those from the Peak District Fire Operations Group (FOG), at this incident.
“Another thanks to Derby Mountain Rescue who are providing aerial footage which is being streamed directly to our command support vehicle. This provides real-time situational awareness to help inform operational decision-making and the deployment of resources.
“The fire is affecting approximately 500 square metres of moorland and woodland. Wildfires like this require a huge response and people are asked to keep this in mind as the warm weather continues.
“The ground is tinder dry and the slightest spark from a campfire, a tiny burning ember from a BBQ, or a flake of ash from a discarded cigarette could soon escalate to a major incident so please act responsibly.”
Meanwhile, Jon Pearce, MP for High Peak, said crews were working in ‘challenging conditions’. He said in a post on Facebook: “I’m saddened to see the wildfire on Tintwistle Moor. High Peak is the most vulnerable constituency to wildfires in the UK, and it’s vital that we all do our part to protect our moorlands, countryside and communities, especially during periods of hot, dry weather like we’re experiencing now.
The fires raged on for over 24 hours(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“My thanks go to Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service who have worked through the night in challenging conditions to keep people safe. Emergency services are still on scene tackling the blaze this morning.
“If you can see or smell smoke, keep your windows and doors closed where possible, and avoid the area to allow crews to continue their work safely. As temperatures remain high again today, please take extra care and follow the advice from emergency services.
“Thank you to everyone who has reported the incident and to our emergency services for their continued efforts. Please stay safe and look out for one another.”