New legal powers to prevent moorland fires

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has joined together with partners using legal powers to protect the environment and prevent wildfire devastation on moorland.

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for parts of Darwen, Bolton and Chorley came into force on 21 August 2023 to prevent devastation to wildlife and reduce the risks of wildfire on the moors.

Representatives from the authorities gathered on the site of the PSPO to raise awareness of the new order and to encourage people to stay safe when in the area and not use any instruments which can cause devastating fires.

The PSPO bans any activities on moorland that carry a significant risk of causing wildfires – such as lighting barbeques, building or lighting campfires or camping stoves, lighting fireworks, or setting off night-sky paper lanterns.

Moorland fires are difficult to control. At the time of the Winter Hill fires in this same area 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.

Breaching the PSPO is a criminal offence and could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

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.

PC Sean Dalby of Lancashire Police’s Rural Task Force team, said: ‘’We have seen previously how moorland fires can have a devastating impact on rural communities and put people at risk. Lancashire Police will be monitoring the moorland around Rivington to ensure the area is used safely and properly. We fully support the PSPO which is in place.’’

Blackburn with Darwen, Bolton and Chorley councils have all adopted the PSPO, which applies to public open space – this means any land or premises within the PSPO Restricted Area where there is no 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.

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 where they will be given written consent if they are able to meet the rules and regulations.