Plea for Peak District visitors to act 'responsibly' as drone footage shows moorland fire raging

Six fire crews tackled a moorland blaze – covering about one-hectare of grassand and bracken – at Birchen Edge, Baslow, yesterday evening.

Working alongside National Trust Rangers and with wind conditions on their side, crews working on two separate fire fronts were able to contain the fire and prevent any further spread, declaring the fire out just before 8pm.

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The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Station manager Perrott, of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “While we are still working to establish the cause of this fire, it serves as a timely reminder for people to act responsibly when out in the Peak District

“With the Easter weekend ahead of us and the weather turning warmer, the ground is already dry enough for a discarded cigarette, glass bottle or unauthorised barbeque to cause a fire that can quickly spread. Thankfully on this occasion the wind was on our side and crews and rangers were able to prevent this particular Moorland fire escalating.

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“If you are venturing out, please ensure you take your rubbish with you, discard cigarettes responsibly and please, please do not take a portable barbeque!”

People are advised to not have a BBQ or campfire on the moors, take rubbish home with them, to not discard cigarette ends and smoking materials on the ground and extinguish them properly.

If you see a fire, get to a safe place, note the fire’s location and call 999.

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