Crews leave moorland fire scene after 'tough' week

More than 100 firefighters were deployed to the scene over the week

Firefighters battling a blaze that tore through moorland in Derbyshire have finally left the scene after "a tough week".

Crews from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) were first called to land around Errwood Reservoir in the Goyt Valley on 30 April.

More than 100 firefighters were deployed to the scene during the week, with the fire destroying trees and grassland in an area bigger than more than 300 football pitches.

The last crews left at about 08:15 BST on Tuesday and handed over to landowners United Utilities, who the fire service said "are managing a few remaining hot spots".

The fire service said the area had been "devastated" by the blaze

Residents and visitors were asked to avoid the area while the fire was brought under control, including over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Derby Mountain Rescue Team supplied a drone to be used for reconnaissance, which DFRS said "also helped provide images and footage to help keep the public warned and informed".

Crews from Cheshire and Staffordshire were also deployed to help Derbyshire-based teams, with the local service describing the operation as "a week of tough firefighting".

Mark King, a station manager and joint wildfire lead for DFRS, thanked the firefighters, emergency workers and other agencies for their help in tackling the fire and bringing it "to the quickest and safest conclusion".

"They worked hard not only to tackle the moorland fire in challenging conditions but also to limit the impact on the land and wildlife," he said.

"We would also like to thank the local community for their patience and cooperation and remind people about the risks of wildfires like this one and to look out for our precious moorland and outdoor spaces."