A large wildfire has erupted near the Errwood Reservoir in the Goyt Valley, prompting a significant response from emergency services across Derbyshire and Cheshire. Firefighters were called to the scene shortly after 11:42 AM on April 30, 2025, as thick plumes of smoke began to billow across the region, affecting areas as far away as the center of Buxton, approximately four miles from the blaze.
According to the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS), ten fire engines were deployed to tackle the fire, supported by specialized vehicles including a water carrier, an Argocat, and a Unimog. The situation escalated as the fire spread rapidly, leading to road closures and public safety warnings.
"Emergency services are currently dealing with a large wildfire near Errwood Reservoir in the Goyt Valley. We are receiving a high number of calls regarding a smoke plume which can be seen in the area," a DFRS spokesperson stated. The fire has been described as the worst in the area since 2018, raising concerns about the ecological impact on local wildlife and habitats.
Residents in nearby areas have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed to mitigate the effects of smoke inhalation. The Derbyshire police have also urged the public to avoid the area, particularly near the Cat and Fiddle pub on the A54, where emergency vehicles are being stationed.
Marketing manager at the Cat and Fiddle distillery, Melanie Selstrom, expressed her concerns about the fire's proximity to their facility. "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," she explained. Her team has been actively working with firefighters to keep parts of the distillery wet and to set up dams in the car park to prevent any potential fire spread.
As the day progressed, the fire service confirmed that all but one of the fire crews would be withdrawing due to failing light conditions, with one crew remaining on-site overnight. A reinspection of the area is scheduled for 6:00 AM on May 1, 2025, to assess the situation further.
Drone footage released by DFRS shows extensive areas of scorched moorland, illustrating the fire's rapid spread and the challenges faced by firefighters. The fire has not only posed a threat to local wildlife but has also disrupted the lives of residents and visitors in the surrounding areas.
In a concerning update, Lindsay Page, County Business Leader for Manchester at United Utilities, reported that they have been collaborating with DFRS to manage the situation. "Catchment Controllers and a Catchment Manager from United Utilities have been working with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service today following reports of wildfire in the Goyt Valley near Buxton. To contain the fire and prioritize public and environmental safety, we have also provided a helicopter with the means to transport water from our local reservoirs to help extinguish the flames and minimize damage," she stated.
This wildfire incident has raised significant alarm within the community, with many locals expressing their anxiety about the potential damage to both property and the environment. The Peak District Moorland Group highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the area has been under a management regime with extensive interventions over the last 20 years to protect its delicate ecosystem.
As the fire continues to burn, local authorities are reminding residents to stay informed and heed safety warnings. “Given the circumstances of the incident please avoid the area and be aware that other road closures may be required quickly,” the police warned.
Firefighters are expected to face a long night as they monitor the situation, and the community remains hopeful that the fire can be contained without further damage. The public is encouraged to stay updated through local news outlets and the social media accounts of emergency services.
As this situation develops, the impact of the wildfire on the environment and the local community will be closely monitored. The ongoing efforts of the fire service and local authorities will be crucial in managing this emergency effectively.
