Dramatic pictures show the scale of the challenge firefighters face as they battle Lyme Park blaze

These pictures show the scale of the challenge firefighters face as they battle the flames at Lyme Park.

Crews from Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire were called to the National Trust site on the border of Stockport and Cheshire just after 4pm.

The blaze is said to have engulfed at least six hectares of moorland, with an 'active fire front' of 500m.

Firefighters are desperately trying to stop the flames spreading to nearby woodland.

Firefighters tackling the flames (Councillor Steve Gribbon)

Images taken at the scene showed thick clouds of billowing smoke rising high into the air. Flames can be seen tearing through long stretches of grass.

Crews are using beaters and hoses with water backpacks to tackle the fire.

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The park is closed and people are being asked to stay away. Nearby residents have been urged to keep windows and doors shut.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At approximately 4.10pm firefighters were dispatched to reports of a fire in the grounds of Lyme Park, Disley.

Crews at Lyme Park (Councillor Steve Gribbon)

"Six pumps from Cheshire and Greater Manchester were dispatched to the scene and on arrival they discovered a large moorland fire approximately two square kilometres. 

"The team are currently using hose reel jets to tackle the fire and prevent the fire from spreading to a nearby woodland area.

The scene at the park (Morgan Broome)

"There are no reports of any injuries, however as a result of the incident Lyme Park has been closed to the public and visitors are advised to stay away."

A number of activities and events are scheduled to take place at Lyme Park over the Easter weekend, according to the National Trust website.

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These include Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts, as well as badminton, frisbee and soft archery sessions.

A firefighter tackling the moorland blaze (Councillor Steve Gribbon)

A spokesman for the National Trust said it is too early to say what impact the fire will have on the planned schedule.

“Our main priority is to tackle the fire,” they added.

Smoke at the park (Morgan Broome)

Thousands of people flooded social media after news of the fire broke.

Crews were scrambled to the scene on Thursday afternoon (Councillor Steve Gribbon)

Families from across the north west - and further afield - visit the park all year round.

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