'Heartbreaking' images show moorland fire aftermath

Firefighters have released "heartbreaking" images of the aftermath of a huge wildfire that ripped through moorland in the Peak District.

The pictures, taken by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS), show the scorched and smoking landscape around Errwood Reservoir in the Goyt Valley.

The fire service said the blaze, which began on Wednesday morning, engulfed an area "roughly the size of 325 football pitches".

It said the fire had caused "devastation" to moorland wildlife.

The fire service said the fire had killed many birds and mammals, and destroyed habitats.

On Friday, firefighters remained to dampen down and check for any hotspots.

Crews from Buxton, Glossop, Crich on-call and wholetime crews from Matlock - as well as four crews from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service - attended, assisted by two Argocats - a type of all-terrain vehicle - and the command support unit.

Firefighters used beaters, water backpacks and fogging units to tackle the fire.

"Late last night, firefighters withdrew from the moors, as is normal practice for their safety, with one crew remaining overnight to monitor the scene," a spokesperson said.

The Peak District Moorland Group also shared footage of gamekeepers in the "energy-sapping" efforts to contain and extinguish the fire.

People living in the area were urged to keep doors and windows closed.

The fire service thanked organisations who helped tackle the fire, including United Utilities, Derby Mountain Rescue, the Peak District National Park Authority, and local gamekeepers and farmers.

They also thanked Salvation Army volunteers, who provided food and water for crews.

The fire service said no cause of the fire had yet been established - but urged people visiting the Peak District over the bank holiday weekend to "act responsibly" and report any fires they saw.

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