Halifax North & East Blog

With half-term just around the corner, firefighters are urging people to be extra careful when out in the countryside.

Unfortunately moorland fires are all too common at this time of year, especially when the sun is shining. So far this year, West Yorkshire firefighters have tackled a staggering 40 moorland fires, two of which have been large incidents (one above Soyland Moor and the other at Wainstalls, Halifax).

Station Commander Robin Ward, West Yorkshire’s wildfire officer, said:

“Moorland fires are notoriously difficult to tackle because they are often in inaccessible locations, where there is little or no water supply. They burn quickly and ferociously and, when driven by strong winds, can be unpredictable and dangerous for firefighters. Because of this, moorland fires can require a vast amount of resources and be very time consuming.”

“These fires can cause a great deal of damage to the land and they can wipe out wildlife,”

When out and about in the beautiful British countryside, please follow these simple steps:

• Clear up and take your rubbish home after picnics
• Observe all signs and notices – they are there for a reason
• Follow the Countryside Code
• Don’t leave glass bottles behind. Not only can they hurt people and animals, but they can magnify the sun’s rays and start a fire
• If you notice anything suspicious report it by calling Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or through the Moor Watch website at http://www.moorwatch.com/
• Never throw lighted cigarette ends onto the ground, or out of the window of vehicles or trains. Always ensure that they are completely extinguished and disposed of responsibly
• Never be tempted to light a fire in the countryside and only barbecue in authorised areas.

Don’t forget that anyone who is found to have started a fire deliberately on a site of Special Scientific Interest could be fined up to £20,000.