In 2018, wildfires destroyed around 4,500 acres of moorland – the equivalent of 2,500 football pitches – around Winter Hill in Lancashire.
The situation was made even more severe when these wildfires joined with a separate blaze burning across Saddleworth Moors near Greater Manchester.
The two fires combined led to the declaration of a major incident.
A report in 2020 found that the fire on Winter Hill cost around £20million and exposed more than five million people to particulate pollution higher than the recommended level.
A report in 2020 found that the fire on Winter Hill cost around £20million
GB News
It also caused damage to wildlife, habitats, and buildings in the local area, as well as having an impact on local communities.
Over 100 firefighters worked night and day to tackle the blaze which lasted for over a month.
Just one of those was Liam Wilson, of Lancashire Fire and Rescue.
He described the incident as “the most significant wildfire in our history”, stating that, “we had the support of over 40 partners to extinguish this fire, and it involved literally almost a thousand appliance movements.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
More than five million people to particulate pollution higher than the recommended level
GB News
Six years on from these wildfires, Lancashire Fire and Rescue have worked alongside the police, as well as the councils in Bolton, Chorley and Blackburn with Darwen to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the area around Winter Hill.
As part of their “No Moor Fires” campaign, anyone caught lighting fireworks, sky lanterns, barbecues or campfires/stoves within this protected space will be fined up to £1,000.
Councillor Sue Haworth of Bolton Council played a big part in launching the PSPO, taking it to a public consultation, which ultimately received 90 per cent support.
She told GB News: “People were really concerned that we do something to protect residents; that we protect businesses… protect our tourism… and also, the stand-out issue of animals and birds.”
Fines will be issued if anyone is found breaking the rules
GB News
The PSPO is now being actively enforced within the specified areas, with fines handed out to anybody breaching its rules.
Inspector Lisa Clarke from Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton district, said: “Throughout peak months, officers will be monitoring the areas around Winter Hill and land around Bolton, to ensure that those who are out enjoy themselves in a safe and responsible manner.”
