Lancashire’s upland and moorland areas are facing an increased fire risk this Spring after one of the driest starts to the year on record.
Caroline Harrison, of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, urged people to use common sense when out and about in the county’s upland areas, with a particular warning not to use disposable barbecues where possible.
She told BBC Radio Lancashire: “There is a lot of dry grass now on the moors so [fires] spread quickly across the moorland and causing a lot of problems for the habitat and for the landowners.”
She said disposable barbecues and open fires were some of main causes of moorland fires.
According to provisional figures from the Met Office, it has been the sunniest April in the UK since records began in 1910, with 47 per cent more sunshine hours than the long-term meteorological average.
Northern England also experienced only 25 per cent of its average rainfall in April, meaning that many upland and moorland areas are seeing tinderbox conditions and means they are highly susceptible to fires.
On 29 April, three fire engines from Penwortham, Leyland and Preston attended a moorland fire measuring approximately 20 metres by 20 metres at Cuerden Valley, Bamber Bridge.
While on 23 April, four fire engines along with a drone responded to a grass fire in Heapey, Chorley. The fire involved grass and ferns approximately 200 metres squared and was extinguished by firefighters using backpacks and beaters. Fire crews were on the scene for two hours.
There’s also been a number of fires across the Fulwood area.
Blog Preston also reported last month how an open fire had sparked a backlash from outdoor enthusiasts on Longridge Fell who were worried about the potential fire risk associated with it.
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
