Warning after 15 Peak District campfires put out

Peak District visitors have been given a further warning after 15 campfires were put out in one day.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said fortunately the campfires plus another three disposable barbecues were discovered before they could develop into anything serious in the Snake Pass area in Glossop on Sunday.

It said despite repeated warnings, firefighters still found people lighting fires in tinder-dry conditions, adding a "single spark could cause another devastating wildfire".

On 24 June, a huge moorland fire took hold at Tintwistle Moor, triggering a major incident that was only stood down last week.

In a social media post, the fire service urged visitors to the national park to leave barbecues at home and avoid lighting campfires.

"The weather is warm. The ground is tinder dry. Grass, heather and undergrowth can ignite easily," it said.

"Despite repeated warnings, we're still finding people lighting fires in conditions where a single spark could cause another devastating wildfire.

"We need your help. Please, please, please leave the BBQs at home and don't light campfires on the moors."

A spokesperson for the fire service added the incidents were dealt with safely by firefighters with support from Derbyshire Police.

A major incident was declared on 12 July due to the scale and complexity of the wildfire at Tintwistle Moor, which has burned 606 hectares (1,497 acres) - equivalent to 900 football pitches.

The emergency response was scaled back on 2 August and the alert was formally stood down the next day.

In May, a series of campfires were found in the Peak District - just days after a major blaze damaged a large area of moorland at Snake Pass Summit - equivalent to nearly 480 football pitches.

Rangers discovered six sites near Ladybower Reservoir where visitors had built rough hearths or simply set light to wood on the grass.

Any form of open fire including any type of barbecues are banned in the open countryside in the Peak District to reduce the risk of wildfires, with fines of up to £1,000 in areas covered by public space protection orders.

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