Major wildfire rips through moorland close to Greater Manchester | Wildfires
A massive bushfire near Greater Manchester has ravaged large areas of the moorland for more than 24 hours, causing road closures and smoke warnings as fire crews scrambled to bring the blaze under control.
A fire at Tintwistle Moor, near Glossop, burned more than 500 square meters of moorland and woodland; Thick clouds of smoke directly affected the villages of Tintwistle, Hollingworth and Woolley Bridge.
Dramatic drone footage published on social media Derbyshire fire and rescue service showed an area of dense woodland rapidly burning as smoke poured into the sky.
After it broke out at around 10pm on Wednesday, a water-dropping helicopter was called into action, as well as six fire trucks and various moorland support teams; Fire crews said they expected to remain at the scene through the night Thursday as they tried to stop the blaze.
Residents in remote areas such as Bolton, Crumpsall, Bury, Oldham and Rochdale reported a strong smell of smoke and ash falling on gardens and cars in the area.
Warnings were issued to stay away from the area and people were urged to keep windows and doors closed.
The Woodhead Pass (A628), a key route connecting Manchester and South Yorkshire via the Pennines, is closed in both directions while emergency services are trying to contain the fire. According to National Highways, the busy route between the A57 to Hollingworth and the A616 to Flouch is closed.
“Traffic from further afield may wish to use alternative trans-penin routes such as the M1, M62 and M60.” service said.
The fire broke out at a time when England was sweltering in record temperatures in June, with severe high temperature warnings issued for large parts of the country, including Manchester and Derbyshire.
Derbyshire fire and rescue service said: “The fire is affecting approximately 500 square meters of moorland and woodland. Bushfires like this require a major response and people are asked to keep this in mind as the hot weather continues.”
“The ground is very dry and the slightest spark from a campfire, a small ember from a barbecue or ashes from a discarded cigarette can quickly turn into a major incident, so please act responsibly.”
UK Health Security Agency Red heat-extended health alert until 23:00 on Friday. This is the second red alert the agency has ever issued. Met Office also He raised his red alert For south-east England until 21:00 on Friday.
