Major roads CLOSED as firefighters battle moors blaze STILL raging near motorway as thousands of drivers urged stay away

MAJOR roads have been closed as a huge fire continues to rip through moors near a motorway, sparking chaos for thousands.

The 1.2 mile-long blaze broke out next to the M62 at around 12.15pm yesterday afternoon.

Moorland wildfire near a highway. — The moorland fire near the M62 above Rochdale yesterdayCredit: MEN Media

Moorland fire near a highway. — Huge clouds of smoke were seen rising into the skyCredit: MEN Media

Wildfire next to a highway. — Flames could be seen tearing through the dry grassCredit: MEN Media

Around 18 fire crews rushed to battle the inferno near Oldham Road in Ripponden, West Yorkshire.

Today, the road remains closed in both directions as firefighters try to extinguish the flames.

There are still seven fire crews on scene this morning.

Surrounding roads have been closed and drivers told to stay away.

A spokesperson for the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Seven crews and supporting units remain at the scene this morning after continuing to monitor and tackle the fire overnight.

"Crews and partner agencies will continue their work this morning. Please continue to avoid the area. Further updates will follow."

Huge clouds of smoke were filmed rising into the sky as the fire - likely encouraged by the wave of hot weather - continued to burn.

There are no reports of people being involved, but as yet the cause remains unknown. However wildfires are common during spells of hot and dry weather.

Yesterday was the hottest May Day on record, with temperatures reaching a scorching 28C in London.

Another moor fire was also blazing in Derbyshire after breaking out the day before.

Ten fire engines from the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) attended the scene near Errwood reservoir in the Upper Goyt Valley of the Peak District at 11.42am on Wednesday.

A crew then remained at the scene overnight - with a reinspection prompting the return of eight more crews, accompanied by support vehicles and a water drop helicopter.

A spokesperson from the Peak District Fire Operations Group yesterday said it was anxious to reduce the ongoing blaze - for fear it will set nearby woods alight and become "really quite hard to control".

The Peak District Moorland Group said in an update after the fire broke out: "The area is under a United Utilities management regime and has had extensive interventions over the last 20 years.

"With multiple nests of all ground nesting birds being burnt out and the fire heading towards commercial forestry, it’s the worst this area has seen since the 2018 fires when 40 hectares burnt on Ravenslow, one of the most prized blanket bog areas in this location."