Crews tackle two 'significant' wildfires in 24 hours

More than a dozen fire crews tackled two "significant" wildfires within a 24-hour period in the Peak District.

Ten fire engines were sent to the first moorland blaze off Snake Pass, near Ladybower Reservoir, after 11:19 BST on Wednesday.

Then, six appliances attended a fire off Woodhead Pass at Woodhead Reservoir, near Glossop, following a report at 21:14 the same day.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) said about 800,000 sq m of moorland was affected in total and warned people enjoying the countryside to be responsible to help reduce the risk of wildfires.

The fire service said crews from Belper, Bradwell, Buxton, Crich, Dronfield, Glossop, Hathersage, New Mills, Shirebrook, and Wirksworth stations attended the Ladybower Reservoir incident after South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service received the initial call.

DFRS said firefighting continued into the evening, with a reinspection carried out at 05:40 on Thursday to confirm there were no remaining hotspots, adding about 200,000 sq m of moorland was destroyed.

At Woodhead Reservoir, the fire service said crews worked to prevent the fire spreading and withdrew on Thursday morning after damping down the area.

It said about 600,000 sq m of moorland had been affected.

Station Manager Mark King, who is also joint wildfire lead for the fire service, said: "This is the second wildfire firefighters have attended within 24 hours, and I would urge people to take extra care while enjoying the countryside.

"With dry conditions continuing, even small actions can have serious consequences."

The fire service advised people enjoying the countryside not to have barbecues or campfires and to dispose of rubbish including cigarettes and glass bottles responsibly to help reduce the risk of wildfires.

Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.