High Peak council seeks legal ban on fires and barbecues in high risk areas with threat of £1,000 fine

High Peak Borough Council is seeking to impose new legal restrictions on activities which could spark wildfires in high-risk areas.
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The authority is proposing to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) banning campfires, barbecues, fireworks and Chinese lanterns.

Jean Todd, executive councillor for climate change, environment and community safety, said: “Wildfires are a potential threat to lives and property and, in recent years, we’ve unfortunately seen the devastating effect they have had on our precious natural environments.

“Less immediately apparent is the harm fires cause to wildlife and biodiversity – including the loss of grazing land and damage to water catchments and supplies.”

Wildfires devastated parts of the Peak District in 2018.Wildfires devastated parts of the Peak District in 2018.
Wildfires devastated parts of the Peak District in 2018.

She added: “Fires can also result in substantial carbon loss, with a direct impact on climate change – something which the council has pledged to address.”

A PSPO can last for up to three years and, in this case, would cover all parts of the borough which lie within the boundary of the Peak District National Park and all land owned by the council.

Anyone caught taking prohibited actions would be liable for a fine of up to £1,000.

The move follows serious fires which have hit the Glossop area, Goyt Valley and Bamford in recent years.

The Peak District National Park Authority suggests that accidental summer fires are the biggest single threat to the fragile eco-system of the moors. Since 1976 there have been over 350 reported incidents of wildfires in the area with the majority started by arson, discarded cigarettes, barbecues and campfires.

Between April 1 and September 4, 2020, Derbyshire Police received reports of 95 incidents involving barbecues across the borough – at least ten involved the use of disposable barbecues.

Coun Todd said: “In the majority of cases, these fires are entirely preventable and often result from careless behaviour or disregard for the consequences.

“These orders would help protect our most at-risk locations and I hope people will support us with this.”

The council is inviting comments on the proposal from all landowners and occupiers within the national park. Email [email protected] by February 19.