New legal powers to prevent moorland fires – a reminder to stay safe outside this spring and summer.
Now that spring is on the horizon, three local councils are reminding people that activities that activities pose a fire risk have been banned on local moorland.
Lighting barbeques, building or lighting campfires or camping stoves, lighting fireworks, or setting off paper sky lanterns were all banned last year by Bolton, Blackburn with Darwen and Chorley councils due to a significant risk of causing wildfires.
The councils are working with Lancashire and GM Police and Fire and Rescue Services to use legal powers to protect the environment and moorland.
Each council has adopted a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) and together they cover a large area of moorland including Winter Hill.
Breaching the PSPO is a criminal offence and could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
The ban applies to public open space, meaning any land or premises within the PSPO restricted area where there is public access or right of way.
It does not prevent residents living in the PSPO restricted area from, for example, enjoying barbeques or setting off fireworks in their own gardens.
Moorland fires are difficult to control. At the time of the Winter Hill fires in 2018, over 100 firefighters and more than 20 fire engines were tackling the blaze, supported by soldiers, volunteers from local mountain rescue teams and a helicopter from United Utilities.
Representatives from the three local authorities, police and fire service gathered on the site of the PSPO this week to raise awareness of the new order and to encourage people to stay safe in the area and not risk causing devastating fires.
The PSPO will last for three years and organisations and individuals can apply for an exemption if they need to light a fire for a community event and will be given written consent if they are able to meet the rules and regulations.
A person will be guilty of an offence if they breach the prohibitions within the Prohibition Area, without first obtaining written consent from the relevant council.
Cllr Sue Haworth, Bolton Council Executive Member for Regulatory Services, said:
“Moorland wildfires can have huge and costly impacts on residents, communities, businesses and tourism, as well as being devastating for wildlife including animals and birds.
“Reducing the risk of wildfires demands a joined-up approach from councils, landowners, the fire service and the police, and I’m pleased to say that the ban on risky activities has been a fantastic example of different organisations working together very effectively for a common good.
“Not only that, but there is huge public support for protecting our magnificent moorlands from fire, with over 90% of people who took part in our consultation last year strongly supporting this action.”
Councillor Bev Murray, Executive Member for Early Intervention at Chorley Council said:
“We are so lucky in Chorley to have vast areas of natural beauty to enjoy, and it is so important that we have measures in place to protect them. We have seen first-hand the devastation fires can cause which have lasting effects on our habitats and environment.
“I’m pleased that all partners have been able to come together to put this Protection Order in place and that this area will now be safeguarded against fire risk in the future.”
Matt Hamer, Area Manager at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“Lancashire knows only too well the devastating effects of wildfires following a fire on Winter Hill near Bolton in summer 2018, which destroyed 18 square kilometres of moorland, and a large fire started by a disposable BBQ on Darwen Moor in 2020.
“As spring approaches, we start to see an increase of calls for moorland and grass fires as the warm and dry weather begins, and the direct impact of wildfires upon our communities can be massive and can tie up critical emergency service resources.
“We fully support the PSPO and will continue to work with the councils and our partners to protect Lancashire’s great outdoors so everyone can enjoy it safely.”
Inspector Lisa Clarke from Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton district, said:
“Moorland fires in recent times have seen a devastating impact – not only on local residents, farmland and communities, but the long-term consequences of loss of habitats, destruction of wildlife and vegetation, and pollution.
“Partners have worked collaboratively to secure one the of largest PSPO areas in the country. Hopefully this will act as a sufficient warning to deter the lighting of fires, but should any breaches be reported, positive policing action will be taken, which could result in penalties or fines.
“Throughout peak months, officers will be monitoring the areas around Winter Hill and land around Bolton, to ensure that those who are out enjoy themselves in a safe and responsible manner.”