Call to stop controlled burning in the Peak District

The call comes as a period of dry weather and unseasonably mild temperatures has increased the fire risk in parts of the national park.

Regional fire and rescue services and gamekeepers have already responded to a number of fires involving moorland and other vegetation in recent days, with one blaze stretching along a fire line of over a mile.

Chief executive Sarah Fowler said: “At a time when our emergency services are already under enormous strain as a result of covid-19, it is vital that we do not add to this pressure.

“The Moorland Association who represent many of our upland land managers, has already advised its members of the current wildfire risks and associated implications under covid-19 restrictions and support a suspension of heather burning and to use cutting instead.

“At this time it is not acceptable that emergency services be drawn away to deal with otherwise avoidable incidents, as well as the damage that uncontrolled fires can have on the important habitats of our Peak District uplands.

“With these services already stretched, we cannot expect our fire crews to attend incidents that are putting their teams in close proximity to each other, as well as the risk placed on moorland managers not being able to heed the need for social distancing.

“Our focus must rightly be on supporting the coronavirus response for all our local communities.”