Firefighters in Derbyshire are issuing a warning following an increase in significant moorland fires across the UK in the first three months of 2022.
Since the beginning of the year, there have been 48 significant moorland fires, with 20 occurring over the first warm weekend of 2022.
One of these fires took place at Tintwistle Low Moor last Saturday (19 March).
Wild Fire Lead for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, Station Manager Mark King, said: “With the arrival of the warmer weather that is predicted to continue through April, we are already seeing an increase in significant wild fires so we must act to protect our countryside and moorland across the Peak District.
“Fire can spread rapidly over dry grasses and through deep seated peat bogs, meaning Firefighters are tied up for prolonged periods of time with the potential to cause a knock-on delay in responding to other life risk incidents across the County.
“On Saturday evening, on-call fire crews from Glossop, Chapel-en-le-Frith and Whaley Bridge were working for over two hours, using beaters, and forced air extinguishers to contain, control and extinguish the fire on Tintwistle Low Moor.
“In addition to the resources that are committed to tackling such fires, moorland fires cause untold damage to the wildlife and fragile ecosystems, so we all need to take action to prevent such fires.”
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued the following advice to prevent a wild fire:
- Never have a BBQs in open countryside/moorland. Public Space Protection Orders prohibiting their use are in place in many areas across Derbyshire.
- Discard all rubbish, including glass bottles in bins provided, or take it home!
- Do not light campfires!
- Ensure cigarettes are extinguished and discarded responsibly.
- Do not use Sky/Chinese Lanterns
Anyone who spots an uncontrolled fire in the open countryside, or sees large volumes of smoke, should call 999, giving as much detail about the fire’s location as possible. People should not put themselves at any risk by tackling a fire.
To anonymously report a deliberate fire in Derbyshire, call 0800 169 5558 or go to www.firestoppersreport.co.uk
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