By KLTV Newsdesk –
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) and West Yorkshire Police, Bradford City Council, and Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) Officers teamed up to hold an event at Ilkley Moor last Wednesday to raise awareness of the devastating impact wildfires can have on the countryside.
The event was part of the #BeMoorAware campaign, which aims to prevent wildfires and reduce their impact on communities, businesses, and the environment.
WYFRS’ Wildfire team from Keighley spoke with the public at the event, asking them about their awareness of PSPOs and advising them on how to prevent wildfires.
#BeMoorAware
“Each year, wildfire destroys thousands of hectares of our countryside, significantly affecting the economy, environment, wildlife, and social fabric of rural areas,” said Bradford Assistant District Commander Dave Cookson.
“Along with our partners, we want people to #BeMoorAware of the impacts that wildfire has on our communities and how we can help to prevent future wildfires across West Yorkshire.”
The Bradford district contains Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), the highest National Protection Designation and European Nature Conservation designation.
Therefore, PSPOs are in place across the region, which means no naked flames, no fires, BBQs, or fireworks are allowed in moorland areas.
Breaching a PSPO can lead to fines of up to £2,500 and a prison sentence.
‘Important habitats’
“We have some wonderful moors and open spaces across the Bradford district, which are important natural habitats,” said Danny Jackson, Bradford Council’s Countryside Service Manager.
“These can all be destroyed by a single act of carelessness, which is why the Public Space Protection Order banning barbeques, fires, fireworks, and sky lanterns is in place”
“We are encouraging people to #BeMoorAware, by not lighting BBQs or having fires on our moorland.”
Advice on helping to prevent wildfires include clearing up and taking rubbish home after picnics, observing all signs and notices, following the National Trust Countryside Code, not leaving glass bottles, never throwing lighted cigarette ends onto the ground, and never being tempted to light a fire in the countryside.
If you see a fire or someone using a BBQ on the moorland, call 999 and ask for the Fire Service.