Number of crews at major moorland fire being reduced
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue ServiceThe number of crews in attendance at a major moorland fire is beginning to reduce, officials have said.
Crews were first called to Tintwistle Moor, near Glossop in Derbyshire, on 24 June, and a major incident was declared on 13 July.
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.
In an update on Friday, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said drone footage and thermal imaging had confirmed there were no flames or hotspots within the Didsbury Intake sector - one of four sectors of affected land the major incident had been divided into.
It added firefighting resources were being withdrawn from the Didsbury Intake and redeployed to support operations in the three remaining sectors: Featherbed Moss, Arnfield Moor and Crowden.
Fire officials said United Utilities would continue to monitor the Didsbury Intake closely over the coming days with support from crews.
A spokesperson for the service added: "This remains a major incident and our current focus is on keeping the fire contained at Featherbed Moss.
"Derbyshire firefighters are working hard to prevent any further spread, supported by crews from fire and rescue services across the UK through national resilience arrangements.
"However, the number of crews being deployed is now beginning to reduce."
On Friday, the A628 Woodhead Pass reopened, but the service said motorists should still expect some delays between Tintwistle and Crowden due to temporary traffic lights.
It said the lights were in place to allow safe access for firefighters and partner agencies.
"We would like to thank everyone affected by the ongoing disruption for their cooperation, patience and understanding," a fire service spokesperson added.
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