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Good Morning;
It looks like Summer is finally here! The weather is fantastic, school is finally out and I’m sure many of you are keen to get out with loved ones to enjoy the wonderful green spaces and moorland that we are so fortunate to have so close to home in Bolton.
The wonderful weather however brings significant risk of Wildfires. Each year fire destroys thousands of acres of countryside and wildlife habitats. Many of you will remember the devastating fires in Bolton and surrounding areas in Summer 2018. Emergency services from across the country worked for 41 days to tackle the fires which affected vast swathes of the Smithills estate and beyond.
In 2023 GMP joined up with neighbouring councils, along with the Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, and Lancashire Police to bring into force a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for parts of Chorley, Darwen and Bolton.
The PSPO came into force on 21st 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.
You can view the PSPO Documentation on the Bolton Council Website Here
Breaching the PSPO is a criminal offence and could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
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While some fires are started deliberately, many are due to carelessness.
We encourage everyone to enjoy the open spaces, but with care and responsibly.
While out enjoying the countryside or moorland remember:
Never take a barbecue on the moors or to the countryside - it poses a huge risk of fire, is a risk to the environment.
Using a Barbecue within the PSPO area you risk a Fine of upto £2500 and or a prison sentence.
Never start a fire of any kind, including camping stoves for any reason. It may seem a good idea at the time, but a fire in the open can easily get out of control.
Always extinguish your cigarette and any other smoking materials properly. Never throw your cigarette butt out of your car window - it could ruin whole fields of crops
Don't leave bottles or glass on moorland or in woodlands. Sunlight shining through the glass can start large fires. Take them home or put them in the waste or recycling bin.
Keep children away from matches, cigarettes and open fires.
If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately. Leave the area as soon as possible and dial 999 immediately.
Give as much information as possible - consider using W3W app to give a precise location.
You can Anonymously report deliberate fire-setting to on the FireStoppers webpage or call 0800 169 5558. But in an emergency always call 999.
Officers from GMP and partner agencies patrol at-risk areas during hot and busy days, reminding people of their responsibilities and to ensure that those who are out enjoying themselves in a safe and responsible manner. This is why some of you may have seen us on foot or cycle on the moors over the last few weeks. With the dry conditions expected to continue officers will continue to patrol high risk areas and dealing with those who put our countryside and wildlife at risk.
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