Major Peak District wildfire warning after another blaze is caused by campfire on open moorland

Crews from Glossop Fire Station attended a wildfire on Holme Moss in the Peak District yesterday (Thursday, May 8).

The blaze, which was seen around 620m away from the road, had been caused by a campfire on open moorland.

This comes just one week after Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service confirmed another moorland fire near Errwood Reservoir in Goyt Valley was the 15th wildfire they've tackled this year, highlighting growing concerns over wildfire risks in the region.

Fire crews were first called to the blaze at 11:42am on Wednesday 30 April and remained on site for a full week, finally leaving at 8:18am on Tuesday 6 May.

The scene was handed over to landowners United Utilities, who continue to monitor remaining hotspots.

Over 100 personnel from fire stations across Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire took part, supported by specialist vehicles, helicopters, and partner agencies including Peak District rangers, gamekeepers, farmers, and local volunteers. Crews used a combination of beaters, fogging units, water backpacks, and Argocat vehicles to suppress the fire, which flared up at times due to wind changes over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Station Manager Mark King praised the joint effort and warned of the strain repeated wildfires place on resources. “This is the 15th wildfire we’ve attended this year,” he said. “They divert crews from other emergencies and have lasting environmental impacts.”

Residents were urged to stay alert and help prevent future wildfires by avoiding portable BBQs, properly discarding cigarettes, taking rubbish home, and never leaving glass in the countryside.

Full guidance is available at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue’s Moorland Safety page.