Firefighters have been tackling a huge wildfire in the Peak District as the UK sees record-breaking June temperatures
Firefighters have been tackling a huge wildfire in the Peak District as the UK swelters in record-breaking June heat.
The fire, which broke out at Tintwistle Moor, above Woodhead Road, at around 10pm on Wednesday, has ravaged wooded and grassed areas near Glossop and Tameside, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Crews from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service tackled the blaze throughout Thursday, briefly leaving the scene at 2am due to failing light before returning at 4am. Six fire crews, a water carrier and a welfare unit were at the scene on Thursday.
Dramatic footage released by the Derby Mountain Rescue Team shows the scale of the blaze, which the fire service said has affected around 400 square metres of moorland and woodland.
It came as the Met Office said temperatures reached 36.7C in Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday afternoon, provisionally making it the UK’s hottest June day on record.
The new high surpasses the previous record set on Wednesday, when temperatures reached 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, and the long-standing June record from the summer of 1976.
Commenting on the wildfire, Jon Pearce, MP for High Peak, 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.”
He wrote in another post: “This fire is a stark reminder of how vulnerable our moorlands are during hot, dry weather. If you’re enjoying the countryside this summer, please take care: don’t use disposable barbecues, don’t light fires, take your litter home and never leave glass bottles behind.”
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said the A628 Woodhead Pass is closed between the Gun Inn, Mottram Moor (A57) and the roundabout at Flouch, junction with the A616.
The service urged people to avoid the area and advised anyone who can see or smell smoke to keep their windows and doors closed.
National Highways confirmed the A628 Woodhead Pass is closed in both directions between the A57 and A616 due to the fire, and advised motorists to use the M62 instead.