Woodhead Pass remains closed after fire 'caused by car crash' in Peak District
This was the scene late yesterday, after a blaze which is said to have been started by a car crash.
The photo, courtesy of Peak District Moorland Group, shows the burnt out wreckage of a vehicle next to the Woodhead Pass, as firefighters worked on the scene after the fire, which closed the Woodhead Pass, a major link between Sheffield and Manchester.
The road remains shut off to vehicles this (Friday) morning.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was caused by a car fire, but could not at this stage confirm if it was a crash. They said it then spread to the grass. They had been called out at 1.33pm. They added fire firefighters were still keeping an eye on the situation and they had not yet closed the incident.
The Peak District Moorland Group’s co-ordinator, Richard Bailey, said the PDMG’s swift response with their specialist equipment had helped South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue get the fire out before it developed into another major incident
The PDMG said: “An RTA had occurred and we were able to bolster fire rescue service teams in getting this fire out before it escalated even further.
“Quick and intense response is needed at these ignition points. .We hate to think of the strain this would have put on emergency services already stretched to capacity.”
The road remains closed on Friday (July 17) morning in both direction with updates expected in due course.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have been approached for more information.
The High Peak MP Jon Pearce described the road as having been closed after a car crash sparking another moorland fire.
Firefighters have also been battling a major wildfire incident at Tintwistle, Derbyshire, with crews continuing to contain and supress the fire while protecting nearby communities, property and the environment.
Yesterday, firefighters were tackling hotspots in the Digsbury Intake, Featherbed Moss and Crowden areas. The main focus of operations is currently near Arnfield Moor.
Emergency services are urging the public to support them by avoiding the area and staying off the moorland.
If you must travel through the area, please expect some disruption on the nearby section of the A628 while safe access to the incident scene is maintained.