EMERGENCY services have rushed to Delamere Forest to tackle a large wildfire this evening, Tuesday.

Eight fire engines have been deployed to the site at Ashton Road after receiving reports at around 5.40pm.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have described the operation as a ‘large and ongoing incident’.

It comes as the country experiences 'extreme and record-breaking' heat, with a red weather warning in force.

Firefighters attended following a 999 call from a forest ranger to say that a wildfire had broken out.

Control operators subsequently mobilised multiple fire appliances to the scene.

The fire involves 40metres by 40metres of ground and is ‘deep seated.’

By 7.10pm, four main jets were in use, while firefighters were also setting up a water shuttle from nearby water.

The fire is in a wooded area which is difficult to access, the service says.

As of 8.05pm, firefighters have split the incident into sections so they can deal with the fire in the deep-seated moss.

They are using portable pumps to get water to the area and feed the four hose reel jets currently in use.

Crews are liaising with park rangers and police, who have set up a cordon around the fire cordon for safety.

More information as we receive it.