Over 1,250 football pitches of precious moorland have now been destroyed by the devastating wildfires across Tintwistle Moor and Dove Stone, prompting High Peak MP Jon Pearce to renew calls for the public to stay away from affected areas and help prevent further fires.
Firefighters, mountain rescue teams, gamekeepers and partner agencies continue to battle the blaze at Tintwistle Moor, where crews remain on scene tackling hotspots and responding to flare-ups. The A628 remains closed between the A57 at Hollingworth and the A616 at Flouch and is expected to remain shut until at least Monday 27 July, subject to operational progress.
Jon Pearce MP has praised the extraordinary efforts of emergency services while urging residents and visitors to follow official advice.
Jon Pearce MP said:
“Our firefighters have been working around the clock in incredibly difficult conditions to protect lives, homes and our precious landscape. They have shown remarkable courage and dedication, and we owe every single one of them our thanks.
“The scale of the damage is heartbreaking. More than 1,250 football pitches worth of moorland have already been destroyed, causing enormous harm to wildlife, habitats and the environment.
“The best way we can all support our emergency services is by staying away from the affected areas, respecting road closures and avoiding any activity that could spark another fire.”
Jon Pearce also expressed concern following reports that Glossop firefighters were called to a separate woodland fire off Monks Road, on Saturday 18th July, after a campfire spread into surrounding vegetation. Derbyshire Police arrested a man and a woman who had travelled from outside the area.
Just two days after firefighters had to reattend the scene to tackle another significant blaze in the same woodland involving crews from Glossop, Buxton, Bradwell and Ashbourne, supported by water carriers and two helicopters. Resources had to be diverted from the ongoing Tintwistle Moor wildfire to prevent the blaze spreading onto open moorland.
Jon Pearce also pointed to another separate woodland fire in Macclesfield Forest, where emergency services believe a disposable barbecue was responsible, as a reminder of how easily these incidents can occur during dry conditions.
Jon Pearce MP added:
“It is incredibly frustrating that while our firefighters are battling one of the largest wildfires our area has seen, crews are still being pulled away to deal with fires that appear to have been caused by completely avoidable human behaviour.
“Whether it’s a campfire, a disposable barbecue or any naked flame, the consequences can be devastating. One careless decision can destroy habitats, put lives at risk and divert emergency resources away from where they are desperately needed.
“Please don’t become the reason another fire starts. Leave the barbecues at home, don’t light campfires and help us protect the Peak District for everyone.”
Residents are also being reminded that smoke may continue to affect parts of the region depending on weather conditions and should follow public health advice if impacted.
Anyone travelling through the area is urged not to ignore road closure signs or attempt to access restricted areas, as doing so could endanger themselves and hinder the ongoing emergency response.
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Last week, the Government confirmed the biggest overhaul of local government in a generation. After months of discussion and consultation, we now know that from April 2028, High Peak will become part of a new Derbyshire North Council.
This was the best proposal on the table and the one that local Labour councillors and I supported after thoroughly considering all possible the options.
Change on this scale inevitably brings mixed opinions. There were advantages and disadvantages to every proposal put forward, and I understand that not everyone will agree with the final decision. But now that a decision has been made, our focus must be on making sure High Peak gets the very best deal from the council.
One of the biggest benefits is that the confusing two-tier system will come to an end. Instead of responsibilities being split between High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council, a single council will deliver all local government services. That should make it easier for residents to know who is responsible for their services, improve accountability and reduce unnecessary duplication saving taxpayer money.
Of course, changing the structure of local government on its own won't solve every problem.
For too long, many people in High Peak have felt that our communities have been overlooked. Too often we have been first in line for cuts and last in line for investment. There is no clearer example than Reform-run Derbyshire County Council's proposal to close Glossop tip. Time and again, High Peak has had to fight for its fair share.
That cannot continue under the new council. High Peak is unlike anywhere else in Derbyshire. We have strong links with Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, a thriving visitor economy, unique rural communities and distinct challenges that require local understanding. That's why I've worked hard to bring together the Mayors of the East Midlands, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire through the Peak Partnership, creating a stronger voice for our area and unlocking greater collaboration to secure investment, improve transport and create opportunities for High Peak. It is vital that the new Derbyshire North Council recognises those differences and ensures High Peak has a strong voice around the table.
Nothing will change overnight. High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council will continue delivering services until April 2028, giving time for a careful and orderly transition. There is a great deal of work to do between now and then to make sure the new authority is ready to hit the ground running.
For my part, I will continue working closely with councillors, local communities and ministers throughout that process. My priority is simple: making sure High Peak is at the heart of every decision and we get our fair share.
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