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A major wildfire in Macclesfield Forest has been officially closed shortly after 4:15pm on Monday, 27 July, following an extensive six-day firefighting operation involving Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and partner agencies.
The incident began late afternoon on Tuesday, 21 July, and saw firefighters tackle a large woodland and grass fire across difficult terrain in challenging conditions. At its peak, crews worked alongside Cheshire Police, United Utilities and forest volunteers to prevent the fire spreading further through the forest.
Throughout the incident, specialist wildfire firefighters used a range of equipment and tactics, including beaters, water backpacks, hose reel jets, thermal imaging cameras, drones and the all-terrain vehicle. A United Utilities helicopter also played a crucial role, carrying out repeated water drops on affected areas from above.
Operational activity continued around the clock, with firefighters remaining on scene overnight each day to monitor the fire, identify hotspots and prevent flare-ups. Due to the remote location and difficult terrain, firefighting efforts required careful coordination and a sustained response over several days.
A fire investigation carried out during the incident identified a discarded disposable barbecue as the most probable cause of the fire.
Area Manager Matt Barlow, Head of Service Delivery at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:
"This fire has had a significant impact on Macclesfield Forest and has required a substantial response from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and our partner agencies.
"Firefighters have worked around the clock in difficult conditions, supported by Cheshire Police, United Utilities and other organisations, to help bring the incident under control and protect the surrounding area and local community.
"There had been repeated national and local warnings about the heightened danger of wildfires following an extended period of hot, dry weather, and the countryside was already extremely vulnerable. Lighting a fire in those circumstances demonstrated a complete disregard for the very real risks and potential consequences.
"A discarded disposable barbecue has been identified as the most probable cause of this fire. The incident has resulted in emergency services being tied up for almost a week, extensive damage to the natural environment and prolonged disruption to the local community and visitors to the forest.
"The outcome could have been far worse had emergency services and partner agencies not acted so quickly and effectively to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further.
"We would ask anyone who has information that could assist the police investigation to come forward. Even the smallest detail could help establish exactly what happened and ensure those responsible are held accountable."
Cheshire Police has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and is appealing for information from the public.
Anyone who was in the Macclesfield Forest area on Tuesday, 21 July and saw anyone using a disposable barbecue, lighting a fire, or behaving suspiciously is asked to contact Cheshire Police. Information can also be reported if anyone has photographs, video footage or dashcam recordings that may assist enquiries.
The Service is reminding residents and visitors that wildfire risk remains high during prolonged dry weather.
Anyone spending time outdoors is urged to:
Avoid lighting open fires and disposable barbecues
Ensure smoking materials are fully extinguished
Take all litter home with them
Report any signs of fire immediately by calling 999
Anyone with information is asked to contact Cheshire Police via 101, quoting Operation Yearling or crime reference number 26000592358.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to thank all agencies, volunteers and members of the public who supported the response and helped keep access routes clear throughout the incident.
