Calderdale Council reminds residents of countryside barbecue bans to prevent wildfires ahead of bank holiday weekend

Calderdale Council continues to work with partners at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and West Yorkshire Police to enforce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) in areas of the countryside to prevent fires, said the council’s Assistant Director for Neighbourhoods, Andrew Pitts.

These orders prohibit the lighting of fires, barbecues, sky lanterns or anything that causes a fire risk and failure to comply is a criminal offence.

He said the recent spell of warm and dry weather has increased the fire risk and ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, Calderdale’s Community Safety Wardens, along with partners, will be patrolling the borough’s upland area advising local communities and landowners of the dangers of fires and taking enforcement action against those who fail to comply.

Additional signage is also being installed to warn of the risks and what people should do if they see any problems on the moors, said Mr Pitts.

“We’ve all seen the devastating effects of wildfires on moorland across the region.

“It’s so important that we do all we can to protect our distinctive environment, our wildlife and their precious habitats, which are destroyed by these preventable fires.

“We know that most visitors treat our open spaces with respect, but unfortunately there is a small minority who act irresponsibly, and whether intentionally or not, their reckless behaviour causes issues which could have very serious consequences.

“We’re reminding people, ahead of the Bank Holiday, to follow the Countryside Code, pay attention to signage and be aware of our Public Space Protection Orders prohibiting the lighting of fires, barbecues, sky lanterns or other items that could cause a fire risk,” he said.