The public should avoid the area
Fire crews have declared a major incident as ‘large-scale wildfires’ ravage moorland near a national park.
Firefighters have been tackling a blaze on Tintwistle Moor, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, for several days. It has burned an area the size of 350 football pitches already, and firefighting operations will go on ‘for some time’, officials believe.
In the latest update, issued just before 11pm on Sunday (July 12), fire chiefs warned neighbours should also close their windows, and told the public to avoid the region, which is a popular hiking spot given it is easily accessible from Greater Manchester. The moor just sits within the boundary of High Peak, so Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is leading efforts to stop the inferno.
DFRS’ Ellie Gillatt said: “Firefighters continue to face challenging conditions as they work to tackle the wildfire and protect the surrounding infrastructure and environment.
“This remains a significant and complex incident, requiring a protracted, multi-agency response. DFRS has deployed multiple fire appliances and specialist wildfire resources, supported by neighbouring fire and rescue services and partner agencies including the Peak District Fire Operations Group, United Utilities, Derby Mountain Rescue and Derbyshire Constabulary.
“While active firefighting operations will pause this evening, given the scale of the wildfire and the challenging terrain, operations will resume in the morning and are expected to continue for some time.
“We would once again urge members of the public to avoid the affected area to allow emergency services and partner agencies to work safely and efficiently to bring this incident under control. Please follow any road and footpath closures, and keep windows and doors closed if affected by smoke.”
Wildfires can spread rapidly after a long spell of hot and dry weather, as Greater Manchester has seen this summer. It only takes a spark to burn ‘tinder dry’ moorland.
Campfires, barbecues and cigarettes should not be lit on dry moorland, and all rubbish should be taken home to remove potential fuel for a fire.
Area manager Ms Gillatt added: “We appreciate the continued patience and co-operation of our communities at this time.
We would also like to extend a thanks to our firefighters, control staff and partner agencies whose tireless efforts and dedication are helping to bring this incident to the safest and most effective conclusion possible.
“Further updates will be provided via our website and other official communication channels in due course.”
The major incident comes as wildfires also hit Somerset, Dorset, and North Wales during Britain’s third heatwave of 2026.
