A large wildfire on Tintwistle Moor, close to Glossop in the Derbyshire Peak District, has continued to burn more than a month after it was first reported on 24 June. The blaze was formally declared a major incident on 13 July and has required crews and support from across the country.
Scale of the fire and operational response
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has described the response as complex and challenging. The fire has affected an area described in reporting as 1,630 (the original source did not specify the unit of measurement). To manage the incident, the affected moorland has been divided into operational sectors: Didsbury, Crowden, Arnfield and Featherbed Moss.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start date | 24 June |
| Major incident declared | 13 July |
| Reported area affected | 1,630 (unit not specified in source) |
| Operational sectors | Didsbury, Crowden, Arnfield, Featherbed Moss |
Deputy Chief Officer Clive Stanbrook said crews from Derbyshire and other fire services were working on the response with the assistance of partner bodies, including the Fire Operations Group. He said about 65 firefighters were directly supporting the operation, with many more being rotated or mobilised as required.
"Around 65 firefighters from Derbyshire and across the UK, supported by partner organisations including the Fire Operations Group, are actively supporting the response to the Tintwistle Moor wildfire, with many more being rotated and mobilised when required,"
Local impact and environment
Staff from the Peak District National Park Authority have been involved in managing the situation on the ground; rangers and seasonal patrols have been used to help monitor the moorland in the evenings. Dr Kirsten Lees, a University of Derby environmental sciences lecturer who focuses on zero carbon issues, described the fire as one of the largest seen in England in recent years and warned there was no immediate sign it would end soon.
"Honestly, it's upsetting and it's really scary... My estimate is that it is about the size of a small town. As this is not out yet, we don't know how much bigger it's going to get,"
The prolonged blaze represents a serious drain on firefighting resources nationally and raises concerns about habitat damage, air quality and public safety for communities around Glossop and the surrounding moorland.
What residents and visitors need to know
- Authorities have declared a major incident; people should follow official updates from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and local councils.
- Access to moorland areas near Tintwistle and Glossop may be restricted for safety and to allow emergency operations to continue.
- Anyone in the area experiencing poor air quality or smoke-related symptoms should seek medical advice and follow public-health guidance.
Emergency services continue to work on containment and rotation of crews. Local agencies and national partners remain engaged while the situation evolves; further information will be issued by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Peak District National Park Authority as it becomes available.
