Fire crews had to tackle a major moorland fire above Tintwistle for a second successive weekend. 

Firefighters from nine stations in total were in attendance after it first broke out on Saturday evening (26 March). 

It's not yet known how the fire started. 

Glossop's on-call firefighters were first called at 7.30pm to the fire, which was approximately 200m wide and 600m long in size spanned between Tintwistle and Crowden. 

The flames quickly spread. Image: Christina Booth. 

Along with three crews from Greater Manchester, they used forced air and beaters and were making "good progress" but had to withdraw at 11.30pm after being hindered by the terrain, with strong winds making conditions challenging. 

A crew from Glossop returned at 7am on Sunday morning and found a small flame front which quickly took hold, due to the wind and high fuel load. 

After enlisting help, firefighters from Chapel, Whaley Bridge, Buxton, Crich, Shirebrook and two pumps from Greater Manchester worked to contain and extinguish the fire. They left at 5pm and will return for a re-inspection on Monday morning. 

Crews tackling the fire on Sunday. Image: Glossop Fire Station. 

The fire damage is approximately 50 hectares of land, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has said. 

Footage has shown the devastating aftermath of the wildfire. 

Wildfire on Tintwistle Low Moor @peakdistrict now pic.twitter.com/t1yQ9UlleE

— Alex Lees (@Alexander_Lees) March 27, 2022

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said on Sunday: "Last night we supported colleagues from Derbyshire with a moorland fire. Three fire engines - from Gorton and Hyde - and one wildfire unit from Stalybridge attended.

"Some residents in Greater Manchester reported smoke and ash. Wind was blowing in the direction of Manchester so this was likely from the moors.

"Firefighters worked hard under windy and tricky conditions. We ask residents to be safe and vigilant if visiting moorland areas." 

The damage on the moors left behind following the blaze. Image: Glossop Fire Station. 

A newly qualified drone pilot from Buxton Mountain Rescue Team was called into action on Sunday to help combat the fire. 

Drone pilot Henry, with spotter Mel, part of the team’s drone section, were able to fly over the site to provide fire officers with an overview of the incident, identifying hotspots and allowing them to plan their next moves.  

The blaze affected a large area of moorland and steep ground but, thanks to the efforts of all those involved in the firefighting effort, was safely extinguished.  

High Peak MP Robert Largan has thanked everyone who responded to tackle the latest fire. 

He said: "Like clockwork, the warm weather has brought yet another wildfire on our local moors. Thanks to our amazing firefighters and all those who responded to tackle the fire.

"When there are prolonged dry spells, it doesn’t take much for a wildfire to spread. When enjoying our beautiful countryside, please don’t use barbecues or light any fires. Help respect and protect the High Peak!" 

The Peak District Moorland Group, set up in 2015 by gamekeepers and land managers, said it was "very sad to read". 

They added in a statement: "Glossop Fire Station have had training with moorland gamekeepers when they have been carrying out consented low intensity/cool burns to reduce fuel load and increase biodiversity.

"It's especially sad to hear that fire and rescue service personnel had to be pulled away overnight, but they have their protocol to follow and safety of staff is paramount.

"Sad to hear, but not surprising, that fuel load was a contributory factor in the fire taking hold again - a real change in fuel load reduction needs to take place. These moors appear to be burning the most moorland in the Peak District... but all from wildfires?"

A number of firefighters were still on the moors on Sunday to bring the fire under control. Image: Glossop Fire Station. 

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service had last week issued an alert, warning of an increase in "significant moorland fires" across the UK in the first three months of the year.

Wild Fire Lead for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, Station Manager Mark King, said: “With the arrival of the warmer weather that is predicted to continue through April, we are already seeing an increase in significant wild fires so we must act to protect our countryside and moorland across the Peak District.

“Fire can spread rapidly over dry grasses and through deep seated peat bogs, meaning firefighters are tied up for prolonged periods of time with the potential to cause a knock-on delay in responding to other life risk incidents across the county."

It followed another moorland fire on Tintwistle Low Moor on the evening of Saturday 19 March, which was around 300m x 500m in size and was put out by crews from three High Peak stations. 

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