Crews have been battling the Errwood Reservoir fire in moorland for three days
Fire crews have shown the level of devastation that a three-day moorland fire has caused. Destroyed eggs and charred lands is what remains after a huge wildfire broke out near a Peak District reservoir.
Firefighters were first called to Errwood Reservoir near Goyt Valley, near Buxton on Wednesday morning (April 30). Emergency services were first called out to the scene at 11.42am.
Thick plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the area, visible from parts of Greater Manchester. Latest pictures from the reservoir show crews surveying the land after spending three days battling the blaze, which forced a landmark pub, the Cat and Fiddle, nearby to close.
The images show members of the fire service walking the land that has been charred black and coming across a nest with destroyed eggs as well as what appears to be animal bones.
Ten fire engines from Derbyshire and Cheshire attended the incident on Wednesday. Firefighters returned to the scene on Thursday and crews are currently on site today (May 2).
New video footage has shown a helicopter being used to spray water on the affected parts of the reservoir with crews on the ground checking for hotspots.
A Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Firefighters from Derbyshire and Cheshire have made an early morning return to the moorland fire near Errwood Reservoir in the Goyt Valley.
“Throughout yesterday, crews used moorland equipment including beaters and specialist Argocat vehicles as well as a helicopter courtesy of United Utilities to drop water onto the moorland (as seen in the attached video from Derby Mountain Rescue Team).
“Late last night, firefighters withdrew from the moors, as is normal practice for their safety with one crew remaining overnight to monitor the scene.
“Derbyshire fire crews are currently damping down and checking for hotspots with support from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, United Utilities, Derby Mountain Rescue, Peak District National Park, local gamekeepers and farmers.
“Once again a huge thank you to all partners for their support and assistance, and to The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory volunteers who continue to keep the crews fed and watered.”
