Dry weather prompts moorland fires alert

Crompton Moor fire May 2017 GMFire

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FIRE fighters are warning about the dangers of wildfires on moorland during dry weather.

After incidents of fires above Crompton, Littleborough and Todmorden, the South Pennines Fire Operations Group (FOG) says they could strike anywhere in the area, endangering wildlife, farm livestock, valuable habitat and human health.

As good weather both dry out the peatland and encourages more people into the countryside the likelihood of wildfires increases at this time of year. Danny Jackson, FOG chairman, said: "Spring is a real danger period for moorland wildfires, which is why the partners working together through FOG, including firefighters and landowners, are asking members of the public to be extra vigilant when out in the countryside.

"The negative impact of wildfires across the moors is widely recognised, including the economic impact on farmers through the loss of grazing. The loss of habitat and the effect that these fires have on nesting birds, can also clearly be seen but in addition we want to highlight the hidden dangers; the pollution, the release of carbon into the atmosphere, and the impact on people's health.

"Wildfire is the biggest single threat to our internationally rare blanket bog habitats that are the focus for the MoorLIFE 2020 programme funded through the EU LIFE programme and managed by the Moors for the Future Partnership. "

Between October 1 and April 15 some controlled burning by landowners takes place, but a fire started outside of these dates is a wildfire and any person caught starting one can be prosecuted for arson.

Dominic Furby, wildfire officer for the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the message was clear: "Please be very careful when you are out on the moors. Dispose of any glass bottles and cigarettes in a responsible manner and remember to use your barbecue at home rather than on the moors.

"If you see a wildfire please report it through the 999 service. And we would also ask people to report anyone acting suspiciously.

"Until recently moorland fires were seen as a low priority but now the uplands are recognised as being as valuable as bricks and mortar."