Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service have joined together with three local councils from Chorley, Bolton, and Blackburn with Darwen along with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Lancashire Police and Greater Manchester Police, using legal powers to protect the environment and prevent wildfire devastation on moorland.

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for parts of Chorley, Darwen and Bolton came into force on 21 August 2023 to prevent devastation to wildlife and reduce the risks of wildfire on the moors.

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 this same area in 2018, over 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.

PSPO signage
Public Space Protection Order sign
Representatives from the authorities gathered on the site of the PSPO

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 near Bolton 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.”

To find out more about the PSPO in place for each council, please visit their respective websites:

Blackburn: Blackburn-with-Darwen-Wildfires-PSPO-2023.pdf (blackburn-darwen.org.uk)

Bolton: wildfires-further-information (bolton.gov.uk)

Chorley: Public Spaces Protection Orders - Chorley Council

If you'd like to know more about wildfire safety, please visit our wildfire safety page.