Walkers warned as firefighters return to moorland

Firefighters have warned walkers of the dangers of using closed footpaths as they return to a flare up of a moorland wildfire.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) said eight fire engines and a helicopter were called to the scene near Arnfield Farm and at Tintwistle Moor in Glossop, at 07:00 BST Saturday.

The blaze first started on 24 June and has affected about 260 hectares (642 acres) of moorland and woodland.

DFRS said walkers who are ignoring path closure signs could be seriously injured when water drops are carried out by helicopter crews.

The wildfire prompted a large-scale response when it started in June, as temperatures reached 34C (93F).

Amid another heatwave affecting most of England - the third heatwave this year - crews were called back to the scene on Thursday before leaving on Friday.

They have again returned to the area on Saturday.

"Despite clear signs saying nearby paths are closed, people have been seen walking in the area," a fire service spokesperson said.

"This is dangerous.

"Anyone underneath the helicopter could be seriously injured when water drops are carried out.

"For safety reasons, we cannot operate the helicopter while people are in the area.

"Please do not ignore the closure signs and stay away from the area so crews can work safely and bring the incident under control."

DFRS said the risk of wildfires could be reduced by following this advice:

• Do not discard cigarettes out of car windows
• Do not leave glass bottles lying around, the sun can magnify through the glass causing fire
• Do not start campfires or bring barbecues and gas stoves into the countryside or on to moorland (these are banned in the open countryside in the Peak District National Park)
• Take rubbish home or dispose of it responsibly

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