Large wildfire closes Peak District's Snake Pass

Crews are tackling a wildfire affecting a large area of moorland near a well-known driving route through the Peak District.

Five fire engines were sent to the blaze off the Snake Pass, near Glossop, after a call was received at 20:58 BST on Thursday.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) said there was a "significant smoke plume" causing poor visibility on roads in the surrounding area.

Police said the A57 between Glossop and Ladybower Reservoir had been shut in both directions while emergency services deal with the "large-scale" fire.

DFRS said crews were being supported by two water carriers, a command support unit, a welfare unit and a rural unimog.

"The fire is currently affecting approximately 1,500 by 300 metres of moorland," the service said, adding that partners including the Fire Operations Group (FOG) and Derby Mountain Rescue were also at the scene.

Anyone who can see or smell smoke has been advised to keep windows and doors closed, and people and motorists have been urged to avoid the area and to use alternative routes.

The Peak District Moorland Group, which is made up of moorland gamekeepers, said: "Very sad to report an ongoing wildfire incident on National Trust-owned ground.

"Neighbouring moorland gamekeepers were tackling the fire throughout the night, some stayed all night and others are rejoining them this morning.

"The weather conditions today will only dry the moss out even more, moderate winds are moving the fire at pace."

The group said gamekeepers dealt with 36 wild camping and open fire incidents last weekend.

The National Gamekeepers' Organisation wildfire risk index has been moved to red for all moorland areas in England and Wales, it added.

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