Gamekeepers return to assist inferno teams
GAMEKEEPERS from nine shooting estates in the Peak District returned to Saddleworth Moor to help combat the devastating wildfire.
A dozen ‘keepers arrived at Arnfield Moor yesterday, which is managed by the RSPB and owned by United Utilities.
The keepers have been working continuously for three days alongside fire services, Peak District National Park wardens, National Trust wardens, RSPB wardens, farmers and other volunteers.
Richard Bailey, from the Peak District Moorland Group, said: “Gamekeepers from nine shooting estates stepped up to the plate bringing not only their experienced firefighting skills but also Argocats equipped with specialist ‘fogging’ units – which enable us to train water on the fire – onto the moor.
“The fire has been horrendous, and everyone has been working together flat out to get it under control. Two helicopters were on site and worked with such skill and precision, dropping water onto site and filling temporary dams to keep our foggers topped up and to run hoses out for direct spraying.
“We’re extremely grateful to volunteers who came up on the moor with food and water for those tackling the fire.
“The scale of this fire is staggering and the damage to precious wildlife and unique habitat is unimaginable.
“There’s lots of speculation about the cause and that is a matter for police and fire service investigation.
“It is simply not correct for anyone to suggest that moorland management is at the root of this. The reason that this fire burned so fiercely is the extremely dry and hot weather conditions.
“It would be great to report that the fire is out, but unfortunately that is not the case, dry peat can and will burn for a very long period.”
The Peak District Moorland Group (PDMG) was created in 2016 by gamekeepers to help promote the positive environmental, conservation, economic and social benefits of the moorland management activities taking place on estates within the region.