AN angered resident has spoken out on the hypocrisy of a council who plan to light a beacon on moorland, just weeks after firefighters tackled a blaze which threatened protected wildlife and their habitats. 

The man, who lives in Darwen but does not want to be named, said lighting a beacon on Darwen moors close to the newly restored tower to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee was 'hypocritical', considering just last week Blackburn with Darwen Council warned people not to light fires or have BBQs on the moors following a small blaze on May 19. 

It comes as the fire service also issued advice on the lighting of Jubilee beacons, and has asked people to let them know if they are planning to participate in the celebrations.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The man said: "It's madness and hypocritical that Blackburn with Darwen Council are lighting a fire on the moors on June 2 despite all the danger, inability for most people to get there, disturbing the ground nesting birds all night etc, when instead they could involve the whole town in building a bonfire at Sett End playing fields as a fitting Jubilee beacon.

"This would be just as visible and easily accessible for the townsfolk, and without all the risk.

"Darwen moors is just the wrong place to light a beacon, a BBQ, a cigarette end, a camp fire.

"Basically what Blackburn with Darwen Council are doing are setting a great example to any more would-be fire starters that it’s ok to bring fire onto the moors.

"I think a communal town bonfire on the playing fields at the top of Pole Lane would be a brilliant thing."

In 2020 a huge fire broke out on Darwen moors which took fire crews days to bring under control. 

The resident said that he doesn't want to appear a party pooper but thinks it is irresponsible to take fire onto the moors considering the past history.

Despite the resident's protestations, council officials have issued advice to people attending the beacon lighting, saying: "It’s really important that you do not bring barbecues, sparklers, fireworks or anything with a naked flame on to the moors and be sure to take any rubbish home with you."

Local organisers of beacon lighting events have been instructed to light their beacons at 9.45pm on June 2 as part of the national celebration.

Regeneration boss at the council and vice chair of the Darwen Town Deal board, Councillor Phil Riley said: "The fire on the beacon is a long established way, since medieval times, in which Britain celebrate such momentous occasions.

"It would be wrong not to use Darwen Tower and the council will be using every conceivable method possible to make sure this is a safe event."

It is estimated that more than 2,000 beacons will be lit across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories and Commonwealth countries as part of the Jubilee beacons celebration.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's lighting of the Jubilee beacon at Darwen Tower will also see the tower lit up in red, white and blue to mark the event.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Group Manager Tom Cookson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We know that many people across our communities will be celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. It promises to be a great and memorable occasion and we want everyone to have fun.

“Registering your beacon with us in advance is easy and will allow our operational firefighters to understand where fires are being lit in our area, helping to make sure genuine beacons are not mistaken for uncontrolled bonfires.”

The fire service also said that if anyone is involved in a beacon lighting event to use the contact form on their website and let them know the exact location of their beacon, the type of beacon that is being lit, plus the name and phone number of the organiser.

Anyone planning to light a beacon for the Jubilee is asked to consider the following: 

Ensure the structure and base of your beacon is sturdy and is in a good location, away from any fences, trees, buildings, or other structures

  • Do not burn plastics or metals
  • Do not use flammable liquids, such as paraffin or petrol, to light your fire
  • Do not light the beacon in very high winds
  • Make sure children and pets are supervised
  • Keep buckets of water nearby for emergencies
  • Never leave your beacon unattended
  • Remember, embers will stay hot for a long time after the flames have gone out or been extinguished

If you think a fire is out of control, dial 999 immediately.

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