Fire Service launches #BeMoorAware campaign

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have launched a hard hittingcampaign to prevent moorland fires.

It comes after a series of blazes in the first half of 2019 which has seen 11 large moorland fires in the last six months across West Yorkshire.

The moorland fires have required huge fire services resource to tackle.

WYFRS is urging the public to be vigilant and follow some basic rules to enjoy the beautiful moorlands without creating a fire threat to their future.

Moorland Safety Advice:

• Clear up and take your rubbish home after picnics

• Observe all signs and notices - they are there for a reason

• Follow the National Trust Countryside Code

• Don’t leave glass bottles

• Never be tempted to light a fire in the countryside - including barbecues.

• 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.

WYFRS is supporting Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale councils with their new public space protection orders (PSPOs) which ban barbecues, fires and things like sky lanterns on moorland.

This year WYFRS attended a moorland fire as early as February which is unprecedented for the time of year.

At its height, more than 35 firefighters were in attendance and part of the A62 was closed as a precaution.

The partners in the campaign are:

• Yorkshire Water

• Bradford Council

• Kirklees Council

• Calderdale Council

• United Utilities

• National Trust

• Crimestoppers

• Remember - If you see a fire call 999

• Know who is responsible? Call the charity CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

• Breaking a Public Space Protection Order can lead to a fine of up to £2,500.