A massive wildfire that forced the closure of a road linking two major cities in the UK has been successfully contained by firefighters. The A47 Snake Pass, a crucial route connecting Sheffield and Manchester, was temporarily shut down between Glossop and Ladybower Reservoir due to a significant fire in the Peak District.
Derbyshire firefighters responded to the blaze after receiving a late-night alert on Thursday. Videos later revealed that around 900,000 square meters of moorland were engulfed in flames. Firefighting teams from Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire, along with the Peak District Fire Operations Group, local gamekeepers, landowners, and the Derby Mountain Rescue team, collaborated to combat the fire.
An update provided by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue service confirmed last night that the situation was now “under control,” and the road has been reopened for traffic. Residents were advised not to be alarmed if they observe smoke or small pockets of flame in the area but were urged to keep doors and windows closed as a precautionary measure.
Fire crews will continue to monitor the site today to ensure the situation remains stable. According to a statement from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue, efforts to extinguish the fire at Snake Pass Summit involved a joint operation with partners from the Fire Operations Group and Derby Mountain Rescue. The fire has been contained, and while final fire crews have left the area, ongoing monitoring will persist through the night.
High Peak, spanning approximately 208 square miles of the Peak District National Park, is now considered the most at-risk parliamentary constituency in the UK for wildfires, as experts have warned. Recent incidents of ‘significant’ wildfires near Ladybower Reservoir have prompted park authorities to remind visitors not to use disposable barbecues and to take all litter with them when leaving.
The Moorland Association spokesperson expressed concerns to the BBC, stating that High Peak faces a wildfire crisis and is the most susceptible constituency to such events. The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation has raised the wildfire risk index to red for all moorland areas in England and Wales due to the dry weather conditions.
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