Car fire sparks massive moorland blaze as drivers on busy route risk delays and road closures

Motorists are facing long delays in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire this morning following a devastating moorland blaze, which prompted a car fire.

The A628 Woodhead Pass remains closed in both directions between the A57 (Hollingworth) and the A616 (Flouch) due to the fire.

The Woodhead Pass has been closed since around 2.30pm yesterday (July 16) afternoon after a car fire, which spread to the surrounding moorlands.

Images from the scene show a burnt-out car on a verge at the side of the road, with smoke emanating from the ruins of the vehicle and the moorland.

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Multiple agencies have been involved in the response, including Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, National Highways and South Yorkshire Police.

Yesterday evening, at around 11pm, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews had left the area.

It cited fading light as the reason to stop work, although National Highways stated that SYFR expects to remain at the scene until at least Sunday, July 19.

Plans are being put in place to return to the scene of the fire to assess the situation and begin work again.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue encouraged motorists to avoid the area as traffic was already starting to build.

Traffic at the scene is being diverted via local routes, as delays on the road could last for much of today.

National Highways stated that traffic travelling from further afield may want to use other trans-Pennine routes, including the M1, M62 and M60.

It added: "If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

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The transport organisation and South Yorkshire Police decided that the A628 should remain closed in both directions.

It highlighted safety issues as a result of this fire and another unrelated blaze at Tintwistle, which attracted a large response from fire crews.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that it was scaling back operations overnight at Tintwistle Moor amid a "major wildfire incident".

Around 80 firefighting personnel have been working at the scene this week, with crews continuing to contain and suppress nearby communities.

It stated: "Today, firefighters are tackling hotspots in the Digsbury Intake, Featherbed Moss and Crowden areas. The main focus of operations is currently near Arnfield Moor.

"Ground crews and aerial firefighting resources will remain in action throughout the day, supported by neighbouring fire and rescue services and partner agencies."

For those travelling in the area, DFRS told drivers to expect some disruption on the A628 while safe access to the incident is maintained.

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