Major incident still in place as wildfire continues

A major incident declared as firefighters tackled a large-scale moorland wildfire remains in place.

The response was put in place on Monday, three weeks after the fire started on Tintwistle Moor in Glossop, Derbyshire.

The blaze has affected about 260 hectares (642 acres) of moorland and woodland and firefighters are now damping down hotspots across Didsbury Intake, Crowden and Arnfield Moor.

Crews are being supported by specialist fire and rescue vehicles, a helicopter, and a team from South Wales which is helping to create firebreaks and remove vegetation to prevent further fire spread.

The helicopter is now carrying out water drops across both the Tintwistle Moor wildfire and a separate wildfire incident at Dovestone Reservoir and Swineshaw Moor in Greater Manchester.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said an easterly wind continues to push smoke from both incidents towards Manchester.

However, a change in wind direction could result in more smoke affecting nearby communities, including Padfield and Hadfield, over the coming days.

Residents and visitors are advised to avoid areas affected by smoke where possible, or to stay indoors with doors and windows closed if possible.

The A628 Woodhead Pass remains closed in both directions through the Crowden area and between Hollingworth and Flouch, the service added.

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