New fund aims to help tackle fires in Peak District after increase in incidents

The Peak District National Park Foundation has launched the ‘Foundation Fire Fund’ after a combination of hot, dry and sunny weather and an increase in visitors following the Covid-19 lockdown easing has led to a recent spate of fires.

Donations to the fund will support fire prevention messages, volunteer costs and restoration work with moorland partners.

Many of the fires have been attributed to careless use of disposable barbecues or dropped cigarette ends or litter, such as glass bottles.

Jen Lowthrop, chair of the Peak District National Park Foundation, said: “Our right to enjoy the national park was hard won by ordinary people and we want to make it more accessible for everyone to enjoy.

“However, our enjoyment comes with a responsibility on all of us to help care for the Peak District’s unique and fragile landscapes and wildlife.

“Fires have a devastating and costly impact.

“The smallest spark can lead to huge amounts of damage.

“Ashes blown from a barbecue or the heat they retain, a broken glass, a dropped cigarette butt can lead to catastrophic damage to our precious and protected landscapes.

“Damage to the environment, wildlife, habitats and vegetation takes years to recover.

“Fires are also catastrophic to the peat itself, which not only provides habitat but vital carbon and water storage.”

You can help by donating to the fire fund at peakdistrict.charitycheckout.co.uk/fire_fund.

Or text 'Donate peak 10' to 88802. You will then receive a text back to confirm how much you want to give.

You can also help by:

- Reporting sightings of smoke or fire as quickly as possible by dialling 999 and giving an accurate location.

- Taking home all your litter and any glass you may find on the moors.#

- Not using barbecues on the moors or in general countryside.

- Not dropping cigarette butts.

- Raising awareness of fire risks with other people you know.