Calderdale Council is working proactively with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and West Yorkshire Police to prevent moorland fires, but all agencies also depend on the vigilance and care of those who are out and about in our wonderful countryside to play an active part in protecting it.

Whilst Calderdale was thankfully unaffected by recent high-profile blazes at nearby Marsden Moor and Ilkley Moor, it’s important that local people and visitors recognise the part they play in supporting the Council, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Yorkshire Police and other local authorities in preventing any future incidents.

Calderdale Council is working with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service in pursuing stricter prevention methods, through the introduction of Public Space Protection Orders, which would prohibit the use of barbecues and lighting of fires in defined areas of the countryside. More about Public Space Protection Orders can be found here https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/residents/community-and-living/crime-prevention-and-community-safety/community-safety/pspo

A formal consultation was launched on Wednesday 8 May 2019 for people to have their say on these plans. To have your say please complete the feedback form on this web page https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/residents/community-and-living/crime-prevention-and-community-safety/community-safety/pspo/moorland-fires The consultation closes on Tuesday 4 June 2019.

Consultation drop-in events are taking place on Tuesday 21 May and Saturday 25 May, 10:00am-1:00pm in the Ripponden Parish Council offices and on Sunday 26 May, 1:00pm-3:00pm at Todmorden Town Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend and share their views, and staff will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.

The proposals for Public Space Protection Orders must be considered by the Council’s Cabinet before they can be put in place. This will happen as soon as possible after the consultation has ended.