Moorland fire closes Lyme Park

Firefighters tackle the moorland blaze at Lyme Park ⓒ Councillor Steve Gribbon

Firefighters in Cheshire are dealing with a ‘large moorland fire’ in the grounds of Lyme Park in Disley.

Lyme Park has been closed as firefighters from Cheshire and Greater Manchester tackle the blaze. The blaze, covering around two square kilometres, is near Knightslow Wood.

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said:  “At approximately 4.10 pm (on Thursday 18th April) firefighters were dispatched to reports of a fire in the grounds of Lyme Park, Disley. 

“Six pumps from Cheshire and Greater Manchester were dispatched to the scene and on arrival they discovered a large moorland fire approximately two square kilometres. The team are currently using hose reel jets to tackle the fire and prevent the fire from spreading to a nearby woodland area. There are no reports of any injuries, however as a result of the incident Lyme Park has been closed to the public and visitors are advised to stay away.”

Firefighters from Congleton, Poynton, Bollington and Wilmslow have attended from Cheshire while a water bowser and four fire engines from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service – from Stockport, Offerton, Marple, Cheadle, Stalybridge and Whitehill are at the scene.

Last night (18th April) a spokesman added:  “Firefighters are continuing to tackle the fire in the grounds of Lyme Park.There are now ten pumps in attendance at the scene from Bollington, Wilmslow, Poynton, Congleton, Cheadle, Stalybridge, Stockport, Offerton, Marple and Whitehill.

“The fire is located on a large moorland area south of Knightslow woods. The team are using hose reel jets, water back packs and beaters to tackle the fire. They are also using specialist moorland firefighting equipment from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.The park remains closed and residents in the nearby area are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.”

A Cheshire Police spokesman said:  “Fire colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Manchester Fire are currently dealing with a large moorland fire at Lyme Park, Disley.