Moorland safety warning as MORE people are caught having BBQs
The plea comes after a group of people were caught using a barbecue on the moorland at Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham last weekend.
With the nicer weather here to stay a while longer Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people about staying safe when visiting our moors.
The plea comes after a group of people were caught using a barbecue on the moorland at Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham last weekend.
GMFRS’ AIR Unit captured images of the aftermath of the barbecue – which luckily didn’t start a fire.
GMFRS Station Manager Dave Swallow, who covers Mossley and Stalybridge, said: “Prevention and reassurance work around moorland fires continues across Greater Manchester, with ourselves often working closely with local councils and Greater Manchester Police. Prevention activity includes school visits – where staff members educate our young people about moorland fires, amongst other things, and their consequences.
“Patrols are also carried out by GMFRS’ community safety staff, volunteers and fire crews – who have a presence in some of our beauty spots, particularly during busier periods like bank holiday weekends. And more recently we have welcomed the Women’s Institute on board to help prevent wildfires and keep people safe while out enjoying the moors.”
“We continue to ask people to take care, especially when on the moors, and never light a barbecue or start any kind of fire. These fires are devastating and the consequences so costly – to the community, the environment and also to our Service and resources.
“Finally, if you see a fire in the countryside please dial 999, providing as much information as possible about its location, and never attempt to tackle yourself.”
GMFRS has been working closely with local authorities in Greater Manchester, particularly Tameside and Oldham councils, to get a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) implemented – which if enforced will mean that anyone caught lighting a fire or barbecue in specified areas will be fined.
Consultation with councillors, stakeholders and residents about the PSPO is being carried out by the councils involved and will run until August 5, 2019