Major incident over huge moorland fire stood down

A major incident declared in response to a large moorland fire has been stood down.

Crews were first called to Tintwistle Moor, near Glossop in Derbyshire, on 24 June, and a major incident was declared on 12 July due to the scale and complexity of the blaze.

Analysis of data from the European Forest Fire Information System by BBC Verify previously estimated the fire had burned 606 hectares (1,497 acres) - equivalent to 900 football pitches.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said the major incident was formally stood down at 14:00 BST on Monday after "significant progress" had been made at the scene. However, it added: "This remains an active incident and work continues across the moor."

It comes after the emergency response was scaled back and the number of crews at the scene reduced on Friday.

In a statement, the fire service said: "The fire remains contained and, encouragingly, no flames have been observed since last week."

One of the four sectors affected by the blaze has been handed over, the fire service added, while crews continue to monitor the remaining three for any hotspots and reduce the risk of re-ignition.

The service said it was "nearing the end of the response phase" and would soon be moving into the "monitoring and recovery phrase".

It added: "While this is a positive step forward, it is likely that our presence on the moors will continue for some time as we work to safely remove a significant amount of equipment from the area and support ongoing recovery efforts."

The A628 Woodhead Pass reopened on Friday, but the fire service said temporary traffic lights remained in place.

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