Be Vigilant: How We Can All Help Prevent Moorland Fires
Moorlands are some of our most valuable natural landscapes. They provide habitats for wildlife, store carbon, help reduce flooding, and offer beautiful spaces for recreation. However, during dry weather these areas can become highly vulnerable to fire. Many moorland fires are preventable, and everyone who visits the countryside has a role to play in protecting these precious environments.
Why Moorland Fires Are So Dangerous
A small spark can quickly become a major incident on dry moorland. Heather, grasses, peat, and other vegetation can burn rapidly, especially during periods of warm, windy weather. Fires can spread over large areas in a matter of hours, destroying habitats, threatening wildlife, damaging peatland ecosystems, and putting nearby communities at risk.
Moorland fires also place significant demands on fire and rescue services, land managers, and volunteers who work tirelessly to bring them under control.
Stay Vigilant When Visiting Moorland
Whether you are walking, cycling, running, or enjoying a picnic, it is important to remain alert to the risks.
Never Light Fires or Barbecues
Open fires, disposable barbecues, and camping stoves can generate enough heat to ignite dry vegetation. Even when they appear extinguished, hot ashes and embers can remain capable of starting a fire.
The safest approach is simple: do not use barbecues or open flames on moorland or in areas of dry vegetation.
Dispose of Cigarettes Responsibly
A discarded cigarette end can smoulder unnoticed before igniting surrounding vegetation. If you smoke, ensure cigarette ends are fully extinguished and disposed of safely in a suitable bin. Never throw them onto the ground or from a vehicle.
Take Your Rubbish Home
Glass bottles, cans, and litter can contribute to fire risk and harm the environment. Visitors should always take litter home or use designated waste facilities. Leaving no trace helps protect the countryside for everyone.
Follow Local Guidance
Pay attention to warning signs, public notices, and instructions from landowners, councils, and emergency services. Access restrictions and fire risk warnings are put in place to protect both visitors and the landscape.
Be Careful When Parking
Hot vehicle exhausts and catalytic converters can ignite dry grass and vegetation. Park only in designated areas and avoid stopping on verges covered with dry vegetation.
Recognise the Warning Signs
Periods of prolonged dry weather significantly increase the risk of wildfires. Be particularly vigilant when:
- Vegetation appears dry, brown, or brittle.
- Warm temperatures are combined with strong winds.
- Fire risk warnings have been issued.
- Recent rainfall has been limited.
Under these conditions, even seemingly harmless actions can have serious consequences.
What To Do If You Spot a Fire
If you see smoke or flames:
- Move to a safe location immediately.
- Call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.
- Provide clear information about the location of the fire, using landmarks, paths, roads, or digital mapping references where possible.
- Do not attempt to tackle a large moorland fire yourself.
- Warn others nearby and encourage them to move to safety.
Early reporting can make a crucial difference and may prevent a small incident from becoming a major wildfire.
Everyone Has a Responsibility
Protecting our moorlands is a shared responsibility. By following simple precautions, staying alert to fire risks, and reporting concerns promptly, we can help preserve these unique landscapes for future generations.
A moment of care and vigilance today could prevent the devastating impact of a moorland fire tomorrow. Together, we can keep our countryside safe, healthy, and thriving.
