The NGO applauds Bolton Council's planned measures to prevent moorland fires

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The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation is delighted to learn that Bolton Council are seeking to implement new laws that would ban barbeques and open flames such as campfires and camping stoves from moorland areas, as well as fireworks and Chinese lanterns.

This is in an effort to reduce the risk of wildfires, which occur regularly in the Greater Manchester area. Most of these are caused by human activities, and the resulting fires take up huge resources both in terms of manpower and finance, as well as destroying moorland habitats, peatland, and the flora and fauna that live there.

The plans are currently up for consultation, and further information on the plans can be found here: https://www.bolton.gov.uk/directory-record/3460/moorland-wildfires-pspo. The consultation is open to everyone and the council wants to hear from as many people as possible, in particular people who live on or near the moors, local businesses and organisations, and people who visit the area for walks and recreation.

The restrictions would take the form of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) and, if adopted, would prohibit activities within the boundaries of the PSPO which have been identified as carrying a significant risk of causing wildfires. If implemented, the restrictions would make it a criminal offence to contravene the regulations and could lead to fines ranging from £100 to £1,000.  

Bolton Council is also coordinating with neighbouring councils in Chorley and Blackburn with Darwen, which are responsible for adjoining areas of moorland. 

Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “Moorland wildfires are a major concern. They are expensive to control, damage farmland and impact tourism and local businesses.

“They can also destroy precious habitats, kill plants and animals, cause significant air and water pollution, release large amounts of greenhouse gases, and have a huge impact on residents and communities. But before introducing any restrictions, it’s important that we understand whether or not people support them and how people might be affected. I encourage everyone who has a point of view to let us know what they think.”

Wildfires are clearly on the rise. This year to 5 July there were 288 recorded wildfires in the UK. This compares to a total of 143 in 2020, and 237 in 2021.

The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation are keen to do whatever we can to tackle the issue of wildfires, which are becoming increasingly prevalent across the Northern Hemisphere.

Earlier this year we produced a video highlighting the dangers of portable barbecues, and demonstrating just how fast a wildfire can spread. You can watch and share it by clicking here.  We have also made a film about the importance of being able to control the fuel load, a big factor in preventing hot summer fires. You can be seen by clicking here.

The NGO have been campaigning for disposable barbecues to be banned, as well as raising awareness of the dangers of wildfires, and how people visiting and working on moorland or grassland areas can work to mitigate wildfire risks. This includes not lighting fires, but also being aware that even a discarded cigarette end or a piece of broken glass is enough to spark a wildfire.

We believe that a culture of increased fire awareness in the UK is vital if we are to protect both the public and our natural resources from the future threat of wildfires.