Council backs calls for people to stop using disposable barbecues in the countryside

Rossendale Council is backing Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s plea for people not to use disposable barbecues or start campfires in the countryside.

The plea comes after two large wildfires in the county.

The first fire broke out on Darwen Moor last week after a disposable barbecue set surrounding grass alight and spread quickly across a vast area of the moors. Later, a fire involving a tree plantation at Longridge Fell was believed to have been started by a campfire.

 A major incident was declared as the Service also dealt with large grass fires at Winter Hill in Rivington and in Haslingden, along with multiple smaller fires across the county.

 Councillor Steve Hughes, Portfolio Holder for Communities, said:

“We are blessed with beautiful countryside around us which is ours to enjoy but we have to use it responsibly.

 “Wildfires are easily started and disposable barbecues have been a cause of several recently.

“A wildfire has a devastating impact on the wildlife, endangers people’s lives and takes firefighters and other key workers away from focusing on keeping us safe, protecting the most vulnerable and preventing the spread of coronavirus.

Most people are very sensible but a small minority of people really need to think about the consequences of their actions.”