A HUGE blaze has broken out on UK moorland, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.
A popular local pub has been forced to shut as a result of the fire in Derbyshire, which broke out yesterday morning.
Derbyshire Fire and RescueA huge fire has broken out on moorland in Derbyshire[/caption]
Derby Mountain Rescue TeamSmoke was seen billowing into the sky on Wednesday[/caption]
Google MapsThe Cat and Fiddle pub has been forced to close[/caption]
Ten fire engines from the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) raced to the scene near Errwood reservoir in the Upper Goyt Valley of the Peak District at 11.42am.
A crew then remained at the scene overnight – with a reinspection believed to have taken place at 6am this morning.
Cops have urgently warned locals to stay clear of the blaze.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Derbyshire Police said: “Given the circumstances of the incident please avoid the area and be aware that other road closures may be required quickly.”
Meanwhile, nearby residents have been advised by the fire service “to keep doors and windows closed”.
Drone images revealed huge expanses of scorched earth as the fire raged on – with smoke pouring into the sky.
Last night, the landmark pub the Cat and Fiddle, which is located near the A54 junction, posted a live Facebook broadcast, in which it revealed that the building was full of smoke.
A staff member said: “We’ve had a lot of enquiries for our safety and welfare and so far, touch wood, everyone’s OK and the building is OK.
“The periphery is being taken care by Cheshire Fire Service and Derbyshire Fire service.
“We’re discouraging people from visiting or coming up – there’s ash and smoke in the vicinity and lots of emergency vehicles trying to do their job, so unless your journey is urgent I would avoid the area.
“There are plumes [of smoke] just behind us, but luckily I think they are getting further away.
“It’s all hands on deck here. What a dramatic day.”
The pub later decided to fully close, due to concerns over the highly flammable alcohol and gas stored in the building.
Marketing manager Melanie Selstrom told the BBC: “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.”
The Peak District Moorland Group said in an update after the fire broke out: “The area is under a United Utilities management regime and has had extensive interventions over the last 20 years.
“With multiple nests of all ground nesting birds being burnt out and the fire heading towards commercial forestry, it’s the worst this area has seen since the 2018 fires when 40 hectares burnt on Ravenslow, one of the most prized blanket bog areas in this location.”
A road closure was put in place yesterday from the Errwood Hall car park.
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
