Wildfire at Peak District's Snake Pass 'under control'

A wildfire affecting a large area of moorland near a well-known driving route through the Peak District is now under control, firefighters have said.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service was informed of the fire on Thursday evening, and said at 11:30 BST on Friday there were nine fire crews in attendance.

At its height, crews said there was a "significant smoke plume" causing poor visibility on roads in the surrounding area, with 900,000 sq m (9.69m sq ft) of land on fire.

The A57 between Glossop and Ladybower Reservoir was shut in both directions while emergency services dealt with the "large-scale" fire but has since reopened, the fire service said.

The fire service said it had been working with firefighters from Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire, alongside partners from the Peak District Fire Operations Group including local gamekeepers, landowners, and Derby Mountain Rescue team.

The service added support was provided by several specialist vehicles including three wildfire units and a helicopter.

The fire crews have now left the scene and are expected to return at 06:00 on Saturday.

The fire service said locals should not be alarmed if they see smoke or small pockets of flame, and should keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.

The Peak District Moorland Group, which is made up of moorland gamekeepers, said: "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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