A major wildfire has broken out on moorland near the Peak District as Britain faces its hottest June temperatures on record and emergency warnings remain in place across parts of the country.
The fire began on Tintwistle Moor, near Glossop, close to Greater Manchester, and has burned through areas of moorland and woodland. Thick smoke could be seen rising into the sky as firefighters worked in difficult, dry conditions to stop the flames from spreading.
Emergency crews were called to the scene after the blaze started late on Wednesday night. Firefighters used multiple fire engines, moorland support teams, specialist equipment, and a water-dropping helicopter to tackle the fire. Crews warned that they expected to remain at the scene for many hours because the ground was extremely dry.
Nearby residents were told to keep windows and doors closed because smoke and ash were drifting across surrounding villages. Reports said smoke was affecting areas including Tintwistle, Hollingworth, and Woolley Bridge, while people in parts of Greater Manchester also reported smelling smoke.
The fire also caused major travel disruption. The A628 Woodhead Pass, an important route across the Pennines, was closed in both directions while emergency services responded. Drivers were advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes.
The wildfire comes as the UK experiences a severe and dangerous heatwave. Britain recorded its hottest June day ever after temperatures reached 36.7°C in southwest England, breaking a record that had stood for decades and had already been challenged earlier in the week.
The Met Office has warned that the extreme heat is likely to cause major disruption to daily life, especially in areas under red warnings. Red heat warnings are the highest level of alert and mean the weather could pose a risk to life, not only for vulnerable people but also for the wider population.
The UK Health Security Agency also extended red heat-health alerts for several English regions, warning that the severe heat could affect health services, transport, food, water supplies, energy systems, and businesses. Officials urged people to stay hydrated, avoid the hottest part of the day, keep homes cool, and check on elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours.
Fire chiefs have warned that the dry conditions have created a serious wildfire risk across parts of the UK. Even a small spark from a discarded cigarette, barbecue, campfire, or glass bottle can quickly turn into a major fire when grass, peat, and moorland are tinder dry.
The Peak District is especially vulnerable to moorland fires. Conservation groups say accidental summer fires are one of the biggest threats to the fragile moorland ecosystem, damaging wildlife, peatland, plants, and habitats that can take years to recover.
The timing of the blaze has added to public concern. Many people are expected to visit countryside areas during the hot weather, but authorities are urging visitors to avoid open flames, take litter home, and report any signs of fire immediately by calling emergency services.
Across Europe, the heatwave has caused widespread disruption, with schools closing, hospitals under pressure, and several countries issuing heat alerts. Scientists and weather experts say extreme heat events are becoming more intense and more dangerous as the climate warms.
For the UK, the combination of record-breaking heat, dry ground, and wildfire danger has created a serious emergency. Firefighters are continuing efforts to control the Peak District blaze, while health officials warn that the heat remains dangerous.
Residents and visitors are being urged to follow official warnings, avoid the affected area, stay indoors during peak heat, and take extra care in rural locations until conditions improve.
The full scale of the wildfire damage is still being assessed, but the incident is already being seen as a stark warning of how quickly extreme heat can turn into a public safety and environmental crisis.
