Fire crews are battling a major moorland blaze near Greater Manchester.
Dramatic images posted to social media show a huge column of fire and billowing smoke. Firefighters from Derbyshire and surrounding areas have been scrambled to the scene above Tintwistle in High Peak, Derbyshire.
It's understood crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are also at the scene. According to reports, the area of moorland involved spans around 400 metres square between Tintwistle and Crowden, off the Woodhead Road.
It's the second moorland blaze in the area in as many weekends, with a blaze breaking out in Derbyshire at Tintwistle Low Moor last Saturday.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service issued an alert this week warning of an increase in 'significant moorland fires' across the UK in the first three months of the year. "Since the beginning of 2022 there have been 48 significant moorland fires, with 20 occurring over the first warm weekend of 2022," said the service.
Wild Fire Lead for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, Station Manager Mark King said: "With the arrival of the warmer weather that is predicted to continue through April, we are already seeing an increase in significant wild fires so we must act to protect our countryside and moorland across the Peak District.
"Fire can spread rapidly over dry grasses and through deep seated peat bogs, meaning firefighters are tied up for prolonged periods of time with the potential to cause a knock-on delay in responding to other life risk incidents across the county."
