Firefighters tackle moorland blaze

Firefighters are battling challenging conditions as they continue to tackle a huge blaze which has raged overnight on the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Crews were first called at 5.15pm yesterday (30th June) to the scene near the former The Mermaid Inn, between Thorncliffe, Shawfield and Royal Cottage in Ramshaw.

The huge smoke plume could be seen for miles around the Stoke area.Several roads were closed as high winds spread the smoke which caused dangerous driving conditions.

A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said:

Billowing smoke is visible from areas including Brown Edge, Onecote, Sneyd Green and Alsagers Bank.

People are being asked to avoid the area, with fire crews saying the fire is still active and the area is unsafe. Police patrols are in the area along with Peak District rangers and the council.