If your walks take you towards Glossop, Longdendale or the Bleaklow area, please read this before you plan your next outing. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) declared a major incident on the evening of Sunday 12 July 2026, as a large wildfire continues to affect Tintwistle Moor.

What's happening

The fire was first reported on Wednesday 24 June 2026. Crews left the scene on 2 July after more than a week's response, handing responsibility to United Utilities and the Peak District Fire Operations Group to manage remaining hotspots. Firefighters returned on 9 July to support that work, and the fire escalated significantly overnight on 12–13 July due to high winds, prompting the major incident declaration.

As of the most recent DFRS update, the wildfire has affected around 260 hectares (642 acres) of moorland and woodland – an area equivalent to more than 350 football pitches. Five fire engines, two Unimogs, an argocat, a command unit and a water carrier are in attendance, supported by neighbouring fire services and partner agencies including the Peak District Fire Operations Group, United Utilities, Derby Mountain Rescue and Derbyshire Constabulary. Two helicopters are carrying out water drops on hotspots and a drone is providing aerial reconnaissance.

What this means for walkers

DFRS has asked everyone to avoid the area and to observe all road and footpath closures in place around Tintwistle Moor – please do not attempt to walk through the closed area, even if a route looks clear. There is also disruption to the nearby section of the A628 while crews maintain safe access to the site, so allow extra time if you need to travel that way, and if you can see or smell smoke nearby, keep your windows and doors closed.

More broadly, DFRS has issued a high wildfire warning across the whole Peak District while the dry, warm weather continues. Campfires, barbecues and gas stoves are banned in the open countryside anywhere in the Peak District National Park – pack a picnic instead of a stove. If you're walking anywhere in the area over the coming weeks, please:

• Take rubbish home, and never leave glass bottles in the open – sunlight through glass can start a fire.
• Make sure cigarettes are properly put out and never discarded on dry ground or moorland.
• Report any sign of fire immediately by calling 999 – don't attempt to tackle anything beyond what a bucket of water could put out.
• Follow the Countryside Code and check for the latest updates before setting off.

This isn't an isolated incident either – wildfires have also affected Somerset, Dorset and North Wales during the UK's third heatwave of 2026, so please take the same care wherever your walks take you this summer.

Where to check for updates

This is a live, ongoing incident, so details may change. For the latest situation, see Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service's incident updates. General guidance on preventing moorland fires is available on their Moorland Safety page.

Source: Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and Derbyshire Times