Take BBQs onto the moors this spring and summer and you could be smacked with a £1,000 fine.

That’s the message from Blackburn with Darwen Council as it drives home a warning about moorland fires and reminds people living in the region about a three-year Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

The PSPO for parts of Darwen, Bolton and Chorley came into force on August 21, 2023, to help prevent devastation to wildlife and reduce the risks of wildfire on the moors.

Blackburn with Darwen Council, Bolton and Chorley councils, along with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Lancashire Police and Greater Manchester Police, joined together using legal powers to protect the environment and bring the PSPO into force.

Recently, representatives from the authorities gathered on the site of the PSPO to raise awareness of the order for 2024, and to encourage people to stay safe when in the area and not use any instruments which can cause devastating fires.

The PSPO bans any activities on moorland that carry a significant risk of causing wildfires – such as lighting barbeques, building or lighting campfires or camping stoves, lighting fireworks, or setting off night-sky paper lanterns.

Breaching the PSPO is a criminal offence and could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Moorland fires are difficult to control. At the time of the Winter Hill fires in 2018, more than 100 firefighters and more than 20 fire engines were tackling the blaze, supported by soldiers, volunteers from local mountain rescue teams and a helicopter from United Utilities.

Matt Hamer, area manager at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Lancashire knows only too well the devastating effects of wildfires following a fire on Winter Hill in summer 2018, which destroyed 18 square kilometres of moorland, and a large fire started by a disposable BBQ on Darwen Moor in 2020.

“As spring approaches, we start to see an increase of calls for moorland and grass fires as the warm and dry weather begins, and the direct impact of wildfires upon our communities can be massive and can tie up critical emergency service resources.

“We fully support the PSPO and will continue to work with the councils and our partners to protect Lancashire’s great outdoors so everyone can enjoy it safely.”

PC Sean Dalby of Lancashire Police’s rural task force team, said: “We have seen previously how moorland fires can have a devastating impact on rural communities and put people at risk.

“Lancashire Police will be monitoring the moorland around Rivington to ensure the area is used safely and properly. We fully support the PSPO which is in place.”

Blackburn with Darwen, Bolton and Chorley councils have all adopted the PSPO, which applies to public open space – this means any land or premises within the PSPO restricted area where there is no public access or right of way.

It does not prevent residents living in the PSPO restricted area from, for example, enjoying barbeques or setting off fireworks in their own gardens.

The PSPO will last for three years and organisations and individuals can apply for an exemption if they need to light a fire for a community event where they will be given written consent if they are able to meet the rules and regulations.

A person will be guilty of an offence if they breach the prohibitions within the prohibition area, without first obtaining written consent from Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Cllr Jim Smith, environment boss at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “As we know these fires have had a devastating effect on the environment and this new approach will help prevent further damage from happening.

“We are lucky to have such wonderful moorlands around us and we need to do all that we can to protect them.

“It’s good to work together with partners by putting together the necessary steps and using the Protection Order to preserve and protect our environment.”

Councillor Bev Murray, executive member for early intervention at Chorley Council said: “We are so lucky in Chorley to have vast areas of natural beauty to enjoy, and it is so important that we have measures in place to protect them.

“We have seen first-hand the devastation fires can cause which have lasting effects on our habitats and environment.

“I’m pleased that all partners have been able to come together to put this protection order in place and that this area will now be safeguarded against fire risk in the future.”

General purposes group chair for Lancashire Resilience Forum, Chief Superintendent Richard Robertshaw, said: “Councils, fire and rescue services and the Environment Agency have worked collaboratively with colleagues in Greater Manchester to protect our moorlands and beautiful open spaces, enjoyed by thousands every year – I welcome the introduction of the PSPO, as it means our outdoor spaces may continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

“A breach of a PSPO is serious and a criminal offence, so I would encourage residents and visitors to check the council website ahead of any trip to educate themselves on the new rules.

“By working together and adhering to these, we can dramatically reduce the risk of wildfire and environmental devastation, protecting our communities and eco-system simultaneously.

“Thank you to all of our partners who continue to go above and beyond to keep Lancashire a safe place to be, visit and work.”