Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, Calderdale Council is reminding residents and landowners of the risk of wildfires on local moorlands and how they can be prevented.
Large and preventable moorland fires cause a significant strain on resources, with recent notable moorland fires at Rishworth and on Ogden Moor the latest in a series of serious wildfires in West Yorkshire.
Moorland fires cause devastating and lasting damage to landscapes and wildlife, destroy carbon-rich peatlands that are vital in the fight against climate change and create smoke pollution that can affect the health and wellbeing of local residents.
Calderdale Council continues to work with partners at West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service and West Yorkshire Police to enforce Public Space Protection Orders(external link) (PSPOs) in areas of the countryside to prevent fires. These orders prohibit the lighting of fires, barbecues, sky lanterns, the driving of motorbikes, quad bikes or any other motorised vehicle and anything else that causes a fire risk – failure to comply is a criminal offence.
With over 9000 hectares of moorland in the borough, enforcement of these PSPOs can be a challenge. To support this work and protect moorland sites, the Council is now using drone technology, funded by the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s ‘Safer Streets’ initiative. The five drones can monitor sites more easily and have already been used to provide real-time information to support the Fire Service during recent incidents.
The improper use of disposable barbecues has been recognised as a significant risk factor for moorland fires. To help prevent this, the Council has written to local stores in Calderdale to highlight the risks posed by these items and to encourage limiting their sale.
People are also asked not to use disposable barbecues in parks.
Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, said:
“Calderdale is home to some of the most beautiful and ecologically important moorlands in the UK. We know that people understandably love to spend time in this stunning environment, especially during warmer weather, but it’s so important that we do so responsibly.
“Moorland fires can cause an enormous amount of damage and harm towildlife and their precious habitats. A single wildfire can release years’ worth of stored carbon and take decades for ecosystems to recover. Wildfires also place a significant burden on our already stretched public services, diverting vital resources from other emergencies and putting frontline crews at risk.”
Cllr Danielle Durrans, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, added:
“It’s great that the Council is embracing technology such as drones in the fight against criminal and anti-social behaviour, and to protect our moors. We’ve also written to local stores, asking them to help by choosing not to sell disposable barbecues, and one major retailer has already agreed to remove them from shelves at this time.
“It’s only by working together that we can reduce the risk of wildfires, protect our local environment and support the safety of our communities. Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, and following the spell of warm and dry weather, we’re reminding people to follow the Countryside Code, pay attention to signage and be aware of our PSPOs prohibiting the lighting of fires, barbecues, sky lanterns or other items that could cause a fire risk.
Dan Butterfield, Assistant District Commander for Calderdale, added:
“Moorland fires are some of the most intensive incidents we attend, both in terms of resource and the effect on our staff. They can take hold and spread very quickly causing huge devastation and are tricky to tackle as they are often away from access points and water sources. We work really hard to spread our #BeMoorAware messaging among communities – we held a wildfire day of awareness this week with our partner agencies, and continuously do community work around the issue.
“We’d echo the message from Calderdale Council – we have some beautiful areas here in our district – we want everyone to enjoy them this Bank Holiday – but please do so responsibly. We have plenty of information and safety advice on our website, so please take a look and educate yourselves around the risks. And please – if you see a fire or someone using a BBQ on the moorland – call 999 and ask for FIRE.”
To stay safe and help protect the countryside, residents and visitors should be aware of the following important steps to take when visiting rural and moorland areas:
- Clear up and take your rubbish home after picnics.
- Observe all signs and notices – they are there for a reason.
- Follow the Countryside Code and look out for signs at National Trust and Yorkshire Water properties.
- Don’t leave glass bottles. Not only can they hurt people and animals, but they can magnify the sun’s rays and start a fire.
- If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately to the Police or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
- If you have any information which you believe will assist the Council to prevent moorland fires, please contact us at community-safety@calderdale.gov.uk
- Never throw lit cigarette ends onto the ground, or out of the window of vehicles or trains. Always ensure that they are completely extinguished and disposed of responsibly.
- Never be tempted to light a fire in the countryside. Take a picnic, not a barbecue,to prevent accidental fires.
If you see a fire:
- Contact the Fire Service immediately – dial 999. Do not assume it has already been reported.
- Do not attempt to tackle fires that cannot be put out with a bucket of water.
- Give a map reference (if possible), ‘what three words’ or give a landmark like a farm or pub to help find the fire.
- Guess the size of the area that is burning.
- Say what type of terrain it is (grass, bracken, forest, open moorland).
- Leave the area as soon as possible.
More details on the PSPOs in Calderdale can be found at https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/communities/crime-prevention/pspo(external link)