2026-48: Tintwistle - Moorland Fires

The team was deployed in support of Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service following a large moorland fire near Tintwistle.

Over three consecutive days, the drone section provided aerial support, including thermal imaging and live video streamed directly to the fire service command vehicle. This real-time situational awareness helped inform operational decision-making and the deployment of resources across the incident.

On the third day of operations, following reports that the fire had reignited overnight, the drone team carried out an aerial survey shortly after 05:00 before remaining on scene throughout the day to provide further aerial assessments as required.

Over recent years, Derby Mountain Rescue Team has continued to develop its drone capability, providing emergency services with live aerial intelligence during complex incidents. By combining thermal imaging with live video streamed directly into the command vehicle, incident commanders can assess the extent of an incident, identify hotspots, monitor changing conditions and deploy resources more effectively. This capability has become an increasingly valuable part of the multi-agency response to large moorland fires.

The team worked alongside Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, the Peak District Fire Operations Group and other partner agencies until the incident was brought under control.

We'd like to thank Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and all partner agencies for their continued hard work in extremely challenging conditions.

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