Major wildfire rips through moorland close to Greater Manchester

A major wildfire is burning on Tintwistle Moor near Glossop, close to the Greater Manchester border, after flames spread across moorland and woodland for more than 24 hours.

The blaze has closed the A628 Woodhead Pass in both directions, disrupting a major trans-Pennine route as firefighters work to contain the fire in dry, hot conditions.

Residents in nearby villages have been told to stay away from the area and keep windows and doors shut because of smoke. Ash and smoke have also been reported farther afield across parts of Greater Manchester.

Firefighting response

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has deployed six fire engines, moorland support crews and a helicopter dropping water on the fire.

Greater Manchester fire crews have also supported the operation. Crews said they expected to remain on scene overnight while they worked to bring the blaze under control.

The fire was first reported in detailed coverage late on June 25, and later reporting the same day said it was still burning, with firefighting continuing and smoke affecting surrounding towns.

Areas affected

The fire is centered on Tintwistle Moor, near the villages of Tintwistle, Hollingworth and Woolley Bridge.

Smoke and ash were reported in those communities, and further away in Bolton, Crumpsall, Bury, Oldham and Rochdale.

National Highways said the A628 closure was in place because of the fire, adding to disruption on one of the main road links across the Pennines.

Why the fire is difficult to control

Moorland fires are particularly hard to tackle in dry weather because grass, peat and woodland can burn quickly and continue smouldering underground.

Fire officials warned that tinder-dry ground can turn a small spark into a major incident, with barbecues, campfires and discarded cigarettes all cited as possible ignition risks.

The blaze is also unfolding during a period of extreme heat, with red heat-health alerts in place across parts of the UK.

That has increased the public-safety impact, both for people exposed to smoke and for drivers facing long diversions while the road remains closed.

What happens next

The immediate questions are whether the fire can be contained overnight, when the A628 will reopen and whether officials will confirm what started the blaze.

For now, crews are still on scene and residents nearby are being urged to avoid the area until conditions improve.