FIREFIGHTERS have hit out at the 'careless and irresponsible' people who left a disposable barbecue burning causing a major moorland fire.

Investigators have established the tray of charcoal caused more than 100 acres of moorland in Foulridge to go up in flames.

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Ten fire engines spent more than three hours tackling the blaze on Sunday and resources were also stretched by another moorland fire near Bacup at the weekend.

Over the past two years Lancashire Fire and Rescue have attended around 70 wildfires across the county and called on people to take responsibility and clear up after themselves.

A spokesman for the fire service, who released images of the damage caused to the moorland, said fire investigators found a wad of still-smouldering uneaten bread which was evidence of the 'hasty retreat of the perpetrators'.

He said: "Our fire investigators have established that the fire began when disposable barbecue flames torched the dry grass and whoever did it was not only careless but very irresponsible, ducking out of phoning or otherwise reporting what they had done.

"It was stupendously careless and not done deliberately."

Wildlife campaigners have also hit out at the devastating impact the fires can have on animals and birds particularly during the nesting season.

Alan Wright, campaigns officer at the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, said: "It is devastating for wildlife. At this time of year birds are nesting so it is killing a percentage of birds and chicks and other mammals will be disturbed.

"All it takes is people being careless. Sometimes it is vandals who go and try and set something on fire but most of the time it is a cigarette end or a disposable barbecue.

"People should tidy up after themselves. I am sure the people who had the barbecue were not out to try and destroy most of the wildlife.

"It is simply common sense and people do not show it."

Mr Wright added: "The moorland will recover but the initial devastation will have taken its toll. There will be a lot of dead creatures around because of this.

"It is also very difficult for the fire service to get up to the moor. They do an amazing job. In some cases they have to stay up there for days as it gets under the peat.

"They are not rare occurrences. This time of year when we have a lot of vegetation that is reaching the end of its days it is like a fire lighter. It will just go up."

He blamed vandals for another fire at Heysham Moss at the weekend which destroyed five years worth of work putting butterflies back on the moors.

Fire officers said the involvement of the public was vital to help prevent fires.

He warned people to make sure fires are doused properly and are fully extinguished, and not to throw cigarettes out of car windows.

He said glass bottles that act as magnifying glasses were also a danger.

"It is best to stay clear of an area like moorland if you are planning a barbecue," he said.

"There is a certain anticipation when the sun comes out there will be a spate of incidents."

The cause of the Bacup fire is still being investigated.