Council seeks to reduce wildfire risk in the Moorlands

Published on 22 January 2021

Lighting fires, barbecues, fireworks and Chinese lanterns could be banned to help prevent wildfires at high-risk locations in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is proposing to introduce Public Space Protection Orders after fires in the last couple of years at Thorncliffe, the Roaches, Dimmingsdale and Wetley Moor severely damaged moorlands and woodlands and, in one case, resulted in an estimated 50 years' loss of peat.

Councillor Mike Bowen, Cabinet member for Communities, 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 here in the Moorlands.

"But what is 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. Fires can also result in substantial carbon loss which has a direct impact on climate change something which, as people will be aware, the Council has pledged to address in the Moorlands.

"In the majority of cases, these fires are entirely preventable and often result from careless behaviour or disregard for the consequences of thoughtless actions. That's why we're proposing to introduce these orders which will help protect our most at risk locations and I hope people will support us with this."

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.

The Council would welcome comments from all landowners and occupiers within the Peak District National Park on the proposals. Please email david.smith@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk by 19 February.

If agreed, the PSPO will be in place for a period of three years.

Find out more at www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/PSPO