Wildfire Breaks Out in Peak District, Emergency Services Respond
A large-scale emergency service response was deployed to the Peak District today (April 30) after a wildfire started near the iconic Cat and Fiddle pub at around 10am. The fire, which has been growing in size and intensity, has prompted concerns for the safety of nearby businesses and residents.
According to Melanie Selstrom, marketing manager at Forest Distillery, the current tenants of the Cat and Fiddle, the fire started as a relatively small blaze but has since escalated, with eight fire trucks and helicopters attending the scene. "It started with a relatively small fire but it’s getting bigger and increasingly closer, so we are just trying to make a decision on what is the best thing to do for staff and visitors," she said. The distillery, which is open for business as of 2pm, may be forced to close at any moment due to the worsening conditions.
The fire, which is located near Errwood Reservoir in the Goyt Valley, has been attended by 10 fire engines from Derbyshire and Cheshire, supported by a water carrier and a Unimog. A spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service confirmed that a large wildfire is currently being tackled, with a road closure in place from the Errwood Hall car park. Residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed if affected by the smoke.
As reported by Macclesfield Nub News, the fire has been growing in size, with Melanie Selstrom stating that the ash and smoke are blowing over the distillery. "We’re playing it minute by minute," she added. "I don’t think the fire will reach us but it’s just the ash and smoke are blowing over." Karl Bond, the owner of Forest Distillery, noted that he hadn’t seen anything like this since taking over the property in 2019.
The emergency response has been significant, with multiple fire engines and helicopters deployed to the scene. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but it is believed to have started near the Cat and Fiddle pub. Macclesfield Nub News understands that the fire has been burning for several hours, with conditions worsening throughout the day.
In an update at 3.20pm, Forest Distillery confirmed that they have now closed the Cat and Fiddle, with the fire getting nearer. Emergency services have relocated and are now based at the pub. The situation remains fluid, with residents and visitors advised to follow the instructions of emergency services and keep up to date with the latest developments. As Macclesfield Nub News reported earlier, the fire has prompted a significant emergency response, with multiple agencies working to bring the blaze under control.
