Oldham and Tameside Councils have banned fires and barbecues on the moors above the local authorities.
Two Public Spaces Protections Orders (PSPOs) will be put in place from Friday to protect huge swathes of land – and wildlife – following a number of devastating fires over the last few years.
The orders come into force in time for the Bonfire period – traditionally one of the busiest times for the emergency services due to the number of fires and fireworks being set off.
From November 1 anyone found lighting a fire, barbecue, or other objects such as fireworks and sky lanterns, will be given a fixed penalty notice of £100, or face prosecution.
Failure to pay any fixed penalty amount could also lead to prosecution.
There are exemptions for private residential areas but any land that has a public right of way or public access is included in the PSPOs.
Signage will now be put in place around the designated area to advertise the PSPOs, which are in place for three years.
Councillor Arooj Shah, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Social Justice and Communities, said: “Our moorland is some of the most beautiful countryside in England and must be protected.
“That is why we’ve worked with Tameside Council and our partners in the police, UU, RSPB and fire service to put these orders in place.
“Prohibiting barbecues and fires sends a clear and strong message and these orders are in place to stop damage to property and possibly life.
“We want residents and visitors to enjoy these areas but at the same time people need to be responsible and respect the moors.”
Area Manager Damian O’Rourke, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are really pleased that the Public Space Protection Orders have been enforced in public areas across Oldham and Tameside meaning that those found to be lighting fires and barbecues on our moors will be landed with a fine.
“The PSPO coupled with our prevention and reassurance work around moorland fires will hopefully reduce the chance of this kind of fire breaking out and a repeat of last year’s incident – which stretched our Service to its limits. Not only were our resources used, but those from neighbouring fire and rescue services and those across the UK, the Army, private sector as well as many volunteers.
“We continue to ask people to take care, especially when on the moors, and never light a barbecue or start any kind of fire. As well as see people receive a fine, these fires are devastating and the consequences so costly – to the community, the environment and 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 put yourself in danger tackling a fire.”
