The major blaze also fully closed the Woodhead Pass with residents urged to close windows and doorsHuge moorland fire near Tameside
An avoid the area warning was put in place after a huge wildfire tore through moorland near Greater Manchester on Thursday afternoon (June 25). Dramatic footage showed the scale of the blaze which ravaged wooded and grassed areas near Glossop and Tameside.
Plumes of smoke billowed overhead as the fire raged on after first breaking out on Tintwistle Moor at around 10pm on Wednesday evening. Large flames could be spotted from the Woodhead Pass as the fire spread across the area, causing the busy route to be closed.
People have now been urged to avoid the area, with residents who live close-by urged to keep their windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke masking the vicinity. The Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has said the fire is affecting around 400 metres-squared of moorland and woodland.
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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 Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, who continued tackling the incident along with Greater Manchester fire crews on Thursday, said: “Firefighters from Derbyshire and Manchester, supported by a water carrier, welfare unit, and command support unit are continuing to tackle a wildfire at Tintwistle Moor.
“The A628 Woodhead Pass is currently closed between the Gun Inn, Mottram Moor A57 to the roundabout at Flouch, junction with the A616. We would like to say a huge thank you to our colleagues and partners, including those from the Peak District Fire Operations Group (FOG) who are working alongside us at the incident, for their continued efforts.
“Thanks also go to our communities for their cooperation and patience at this time. If you can see or smell smoke, please keep your windows and doors closed. Please avoid the area and find alternative routes.”
Smoke billowing from a wildfire on Tintwistle Moor(Image: Jon Pearce MP for High Peak)
National Highways confirmed the A628 Woodhead Pass was closed in both directions near Hollingworth while the incident was being tackled by emergency crews. Motorists were instead advised to use the M62 and expect delays.
Meanwhile, GMFRS said: “We are currently assisting Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service at a fire on the moorland in Glossop, close to neighbouring Tameside. Due to the large smoke plume, nearby residents are advised to keep doors and windows closed.”