Snake Pass Fire Latest as Thick Smoke Billows From Huge Moorland Blaze
The Peak District Moorland Group battles to tackle the fire alongside emergency services (Image: Peak District Moorland Group)
Crews have been battling the fire for several hours
Dramatic footage shows flames and smoke continuing to rise from a huge moorland fire that has raged for more than 12 hours near Snake Pass. Emergency services were called out to the scene, at Snake Pass Summit, close to the A57 in the Peak District shortly before 9pm last night (April 30).
Crews worked through the night to try and get the blaze under control, while people living close to the area were urged to keep their windows and doors closed. Firefighters say a 'significant smoke plume' is rising from the scene.
Residents across Greater Manchester have reported smelling smoke in their area - including Tameside, Oldham, parts of Stockport and even areas as far away as Little Hulton and Atherton. People are being urged to avoid the area, with the blaze covering a stretch of moorland covering 1,500 metres by 300 metres.
The Peak District Moorland Group, which is made up of moorland managers and gamekeepers, is part of the effort to tackle the blaze. Sharing footage from the scene this morning, a spokesperson said: "The weather conditions today will only dry the moss out even more, moderate winds are moving the fire at pace."
Crews were called out to the scene at 8.58pm last night. In an update issued this morning, a spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Five fire engines are now in attendance at a wildfire at Snake Pass Summit in the Peak District, supported by two water carriers, a command support unit, a welfare unit and a rural unimog.
"They are working at the incident alongside partners from the Fire Operations Group and Derby Mountain Rescue to tackle the fire. The fire is currently affecting approximately 1,500 by 300 metres of moorland. Please avoid the area.
"There is a significant smoke plume which is causing poor visibility on the roads in the surrounding area. Anyone who can see or smell smoke is asked to please keep windows and doors closed."
Snake Pass closed by 10.30am while emergency services continue to work at the scene. A Derbyshire Police spokesperson added: "We have a road closure in place for the Snake Pass between Glossop and Ladybower Reservoir whilst emergency services deal with a large-scale wildfire.
"Motorists are advised to avoid the area at this time and to please use alternative routes. The fire is currently affecting a large area of moorland.
"Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, along with partners from the Fire Operations Group (FOG) and Derby Mountain Rescue, are at the scene dealing with the incident. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area.
"There is a significant smoke plume which is causing poor visibility on the roads in the surrounding area. The fire service is advising anyone who can see or smell smoke to please keep windows and doors closed."
This article originally appeared on Manchester Evening News.