Fuel for the frontline: Salvation Army ER team supports Derbyshire wildfire crew

As firefighters continue their relentless battle against one of Derbyshire's largest moorland wildfires in recent years, The Salvation Army's Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) team has been quietly working behind the scenes, ensuring those protecting lives and landscapes have the food, refreshments and encouragement they need to keep going. 

Since a major incident was declared near Tintwistle Moor, Glossop, on 13 July, The Salvation Army has remained alongside Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, supporting firefighters from across Derbyshire and neighbouring counties involved in the large-scale response. 

The blaze, which follows another major fire in the same area in June, has seen more than 100 firefighters and volunteers tackling flames across approximately 600 hectares of moorland and woodland, with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service working alongside Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and other partner agencies in an operation expected to continue into next week.  

While crews work tirelessly on the fireground, Salvation Army volunteers have ensured they are never far from a much-needed moment of rest. 

Operating from its Emergency Response Vehicle, the team has so far given around 400 hours of service, with volunteers travelling from across the East Midlands and Northwest of the country to support the emergency operation. 

Each day, the team prepares and serves around 200 freshly made sandwiches, more than 200 cans of soft drinks, lots of tea and coffee, alongside hundreds of packets of crisps, chocolate bars and pieces of fruit, during this current deployment.  

The response has drawn together officers and volunteers from The Salvation Army churches in Derby Central, Derby South, Huddersfield, Long Eaton, Loughborough, Newark, Staveley and Stapleford, supported by personnel from Divisional Headquarters and colleagues from the Manchester team. 

Behind every deployment lies hours of unseen work. Volunteers routinely travel at least 90 minutes each way, while also spending time shopping for supplies, preparing food and stocking the Emergency Response Vehicle. 

This latest response is the fourth moorland wildfire The Salvation Army's Emergency Response Vehicle has supported since April, following deployments near Bamford, Snake Pass Summit, and an earlier fire at Tintwistle in June. 

Ady Clee, Territorial Emergency Response Officer, added:  

"The dedication shown by firefighters and emergency responders throughout the Derbyshire moorland fires has been nothing short of remarkable. They have faced challenging terrain, high temperatures and long operational shifts. It has been a privilege for The Salvation Army Emergency Response team to stand alongside them, offering practical support and encourage throughout the response.  

"Our team is made up of everyday volunteers and mission people who have devoted their time and support. They have travelled long distances, prepared hundreds of meals and refreshments, and given countless hours of their time, all to ensure emergency crews can remain focused on the task at hand. Their compassion and willingness to serve reflect the very heart of The Salvation Army." 

The Salvation Army's Emergency Response Vehicle is a familiar sight at major incidents across the UK, providing welfare support to emergency services, voluntary organisations and communities affected by disasters. 

As firefighters continue working to bring the Derbyshire wildfire under control, The Salvation Army's volunteers remain committed to staying on site for as long as they are needed, ensuring those on the frontline have the nourishment, encouragement and care they need to continue protecting local communities and the natural landscape.