Crews tackle large wildfire on moorland

Firefighters have been tackling a large wildfire on moorland in Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) said crews were called to the blaze near the Errwood Reservoir in the Goyt Valley at 11:42 BST on Wednesday.

Ten fire engines from Derbyshire and Cheshire were called to the scene, but, at 21:45, the fire service said all but one of the crews would be withdrawing due to failing light.

One crew will remain overnight and a reinspection is scheduled to take place at 06:00 on Thursday, DFRS added.

Derbyshire Police said earlier a section of the route known locally as the Cat and Fiddle had been closed near to the A54 junction due to the smoke.

The force said: "Given the circumstances of the incident please avoid the area and be aware that other road closures may be required quickly."

DFRS said there was also a road closure in place near the Errwood Hall car park and urged people to avoid the area.

Staff from the Cat and Fiddle distillery said they were concerned about the fire's spread.

Marketing manager Melanie Selstrom said: "We noticed the smoke between 10:00 and 11:00, and for hours it was a safe distance away.

"But the wind keeps changing, and suddenly it goes much closer, and when you are in a building full of alcohol and gas, that made us nervous.

"The fire crews are keeping parts of the distillery wet and putting dams in the car park, and we are getting lots of updates, but it's left us feeling a bit shaky."

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