Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service – Wildfire Safety Advice
Wildfires are a serious problem in Lancashire. We deal with more and more fires on moorland and grassland each year, with many sadly being caused by the actions of people.
However, there are many ways you can help to avoid wildfires starting. It is especially important to be very wary of wildfires when out camping, caravanning and using disposable barbecues.
Wildfires are becoming more common each year. Climate change is also a factor because it means some areas are drier and more likely to set alight.
But with your help, we can reduce the number and seriousness of wildfires in Lancashire. This will stop them causing costly damage and endangering lives.
How You Can Help
You can assist us by following this advice:
- If you see a wildfire, always report it on 999. Don’t assume someone already has.
- Never use disposable barbecues on moorland or grassland. Consider taking a picnic instead.
- Avoid smoking on moorland. If you do, always extinguish your cigarettes and other smoking materials thoroughly.
- Never leave bottles behind, as sunlight can become focused as it shines through glass, starting fires.
- Keep children away from lighters and matches.
If you are a landowner or manage land, please only carry out controlled burns if absolutely necessary. It is very easy for these to get out of control.
Why Wildfires are Important
You may ask why wildfires are important, because they are not normally in areas where people live.
As well as being dangerous, wildfires can cause extensive damage to property and infrastructure. They also destroy key habitats for our British wildlife. Moreover, any firefighters who are forced to deal with a wildfire are unable to be deployed elsewhere until it is extinguished.
Wildfires and moorland fires are difficult to contain and can very quickly spread into other areas and cause damage to buildings.
Additional Resources
For more information about wildfires and what you can do to help avoid causing one, you can click here to visit the official Moors of the Future website (opens in a new window).
By following this advice, you can enjoy visiting Lancashire’s beautiful moorland without risking causing a costly and potentially deadly wildfire.
You might also be interested in our camping and the outdoors safety advice page.
The film below explains how wildfires can start and what the consequences of them are:
