Woodhead Pass is closed in both directions
16:15, 16 Jul 2026Updated 16:23, 16 Jul 2026
A fire has spread from a crashed vehicle to nearby woodland (Image: Dovavision)
Yet another fire has broken out on moorland near Greater Manchester this afternoon (July 16) following a dramatic car crash.
National Highways has confirmed that firefighters are in attendance on the A628 Woodhead Pass between the A57 (Hollingworth) and A616 (Flouch), with the road shut in both directions due to a nearby moorland fire.
Shocking photos from the scene show a black car completely engulfed in a blaze, with smoke and flames billowing from the vehicle, having left the road and crashed on adjacent moorland just after 1.30pm.
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The fire is now understood to have spread from the car to adjacent moorland. Photos show the fire service and police at the scene, with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service asking the public to avoid the area.
A spokesperson for the service said: “Four fire engines from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue are in attendance at a wildfire near Woodhead Pass between Hazlehead and Woodhead.
“A fire engine from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and a support vehicle from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue are also in attendance. Fire crews were first alerted at 1.33pm.
Emergency services from South Yorkshire are at the scene (Image: Dovavision)
“The fire was caused by a car fire which spread to nearby moorland.
“Woodhead Pass is currently closed between the A57 (Hollingworth) and the A616 (Flouch) and we are asking the public to avoid the area and if you need to travel, plan your route accordingly.”
In an earlier statement, National Highways said: “The A628 Woodhead Pass is closed in both directions between the A57 (Hollingworth) and the A616 (Flouch) due to a moorland fire. Fire and Rescue Services have several crews working at the scene.
“Traffic is diverted via local routes. Traffic travelling from further afield may wish to use alternative trans-pennine routes such as M1, M62 and M60.
“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.”
