Moorland Wildfires - Public Space Protection Order 2026 - Consultations

Have your say on extending measures to prevent moorland fires.

Bolton Council would like to hear your views on extending the current Moorland Wildfires Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) period, banning BBQs, open flames like campfires and camping stoves, fireworks and Chinese lanterns from moorland areas, to reduce the risk of wildfires. 

The restrictions must be renewed every few years, meaning that the council is consulting on whether to extend them for a further 3-year period.

Why should Bolton Council extend the PSPO?

Wildfires occur regularly on moorland in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, including around Bolton. Most are caused by human activity, including using disposable BBQs, lighting campfires and setting off fireworks.  These wildfires can tie up huge resources for extended periods.  At the height of the moorland fires in 2018, 220 firefighters, 100 soldiers, 57 fire engines and a helicopter were in operation across Greater Manchester.

What do the PSPO restrictions look like?

These restrictions take the form of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) and prohibit activities within the boundaries of the PSPO, which have been identified as carrying a significant risk of causing wildfires. If extended, the restrictions would make it a criminal offence to contravene the regulations and could lead to fines up to £1,000.  The bans also apply to adjoining moorland covered by Chorley Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council (also currently consulting on the PSPO).

Useful documents:

• Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions document  prior to completing the survey.
• Please refer to our current Wildfires PSPO order
• For further information about PSPOs in general, please see Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) – Bolton Council
• Previous Moorland Wildfires PSPO consultation and findings

Survey

If you require a paper copy of the survey or would like support to complete the survey, please contact the consultation team on 01204 334875, leaving your name, address and telephone number and the name of the consultation you are interested in, ‘Moorlands PSPO’.