A group of people could have faced a hefty fine after lighting a barbecue in Roddlesworth Woods, near Darwen.

Blackburn with Darwen police officers received reports that disposable barbecues were in use near the Slipper Lowe Car park area, at the weekend.

This is when there was a “high risk” of wildfires occurring due to the hot weather.

By the time officers arrived, all the people involved had left, but left their rubbish behind.

Police have now issued a warning to the public and said Darwen Moor and Roddlesworth fall under the public space protection order (PSPO).

The lighting of fires, barbecues, and any naked flames without written consent of the council is prohibited.

A breach of this order is liable for prosecution for which the maximum penalty is £1,000.

A police spokesperson said: “As the clouds loom over us and we think back to the weekend's glorious sun, let us remind you the hot weather had placed the fire severity index as high.

“Officers from the Ribble Valley rural task force have been patrolling the rural areas that are at an increased risk of wildfires such as Pendle Hill, Darwen Moors and Tockholes.

“This work has been in partnership with Lancashire Fire and Rescue, Blackburn with Darwen Council and United Utilities.

“Officers had been informed by a member of public that disposable barbecues are in use near the Slipper Lowe Car park area of Roddlesworth woods.

“All parties involved had left before officers arrived but made no attempt at taking their rubbish with them.

“Could we remind you that the area of Darwen Moor and Roddlesworth fall under the public space protection order (PSPO) and the lighting of fires, barbecues and any naked flames without the written consent of the council is prohibited.

“A breach of this order is liable for prosecution for which the maximum penalty is £1,000 or a fixed penalty of £100.

“Wildfires are easily started and can spread rapidly putting people, property and infrastructure at risk. The terrain makes them challenging to firefight and demands large amounts of public resources.

“Being unaware of the PSPO is one thing, however, leaving your litter behind is plain ignorant and disgusting.”