Six fire and rescue services are on standby
Walkers and outdoor enthusiasts are being urged to take care not to start moorland fires as temperatures continue to soar.
Rangers in the Peak District national park are putting up fire-warning signs at car parks and other locations as the hot, dry weather brings an increased risk of wildfires.
National park managers said the Peak District Fires Operations Group, which involves six fire and rescue services and major landowners along with the national park authority, is on standby to tackle any blaze in a remote area. Rangers will be carrying out extra patrols while fire risk is high.
Andy Farmer, who manages teams of national park rangers, said: “The recent spell of very hot weather has dried out the moors so they are especially vulnerable to fires which harm wildlife, destroy rare plants and cause erosion, taking years to regenerate.
“Moorland fires can cause considerable environmental damage to fragile moorland ecosystems that are of international importance for their wildlife and plants. They undo many years of hard work invested in managing these rare environments, and animals and birds can be caught in the flames with horrific results.”
Visitors to the area are asked not to light barbecues or campfires on the moors. They should also never drop cigarette ends, even if they think they are out, or leave glass. All litter should be taken home.
Mr Farmer also urged visitors not to put themselves in danger during the hot weather. “People are looking to cool off in the heat but we urge them not to swim in reservoirs or other open waters, no matter how tempting they look,” he said. “The sudden coldness of deep water, steep bank-sides, strong undercurrents and hidden drops mean that even the strongest swimmer can quickly get into serious trouble.”
A Peak District National Park Authority spokesperson said: “Most fires are caused by human carelessness, but some fires are suspected to be deliberate. If people see anyone acting suspiciously on the moors they should report it to the police by calling 101.
“If they spot a moorland fire they should call 999.”
