With temperatures set to rise this weekend West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service [WYFRS] is urging residents and visitors to 'Be Moor Aware' and take extra care on Ilkley Moor to help prevent wildfires.
With highs of 26C predicted in some area, and people wanting to enjoy our moors and countryside over the Bank Holiday weekend and school half term, WYFRS want to remind everyone that small actions can quickly escalate into serious incidents, putting people, wildlife and emergency services at risk.
Residents can meet local firefighters at the Cow & Calf on Saturday, 23 May, crews will be happy to chat about ways to keep yourself and our countryside safe.
Dry grass, moorland and woodland can ignite easily in warm conditions. Fires can spread rapidly, especially in open landscapes, and are often difficult to control once established.
Mick Rhodes, Wildfire Lead at WYFRS says:
“Wildfires present significant challenges for our crews, often requiring long periods of firefighting in remote areas and rapidly changing conditions. During recent incidents, firefighters have worked tirelessly alongside partner agencies to protect communities, wildlife and infrastructure, using specialist wildfire capabilities and equipment to access difficult terrain safely. However, with warm and dry weather increasing the risk, these fires can spread quickly and are often preventable.
"We’re asking the public to act responsibly when visiting moorland areas, simple actions such as avoiding disposable barbecues and taking litter home can make a vital difference in reducing the risk of devastating fires."
Some safety tips:
-
Do not use disposable BBQs or light fires on moorland, in parks or other open spaces.
-
Never drop cigarettes or matches on the ground, particularly in dry grassland areas.
-
Glass bottles and other litter can magnify sunlight and start fires. Always dispose of waste responsibly.
-
Stick to designated paths as this reduces the risk of accidental ignition and helps protect sensitive habitats.
-
Do not park on dry grass, as hot exhausts can easily start a fire.
If you see a fire, or signs of one, call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire Service. Early reporting can prevent a small incident from becoming a major wildfire.
For more information please visit https://www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/safety/wildfire
Golf legend Colin Montgomerie honours long-serving Ilkley Golf Club staff
Ilkley group sponsors new football kit for Skipton girls' team
Volunteers tackle major footpath improvements on Ilkley Moor
Heritage railway celebrates 58 years since historic Skipton meeting
Ilkley hair salon celebrates 20 years in business
Plans for 100 new homes at Great Pasture Lane in Burley in Wharfedale
Boulder-shaped house approved for Ilkley Moor following planning appeal
ABBA tribute and fireworks set for Ilkley Bonfire Bonanza
Record-breaking Glitter Ball raises over £280,000 for children's hospice
Ilkley BID shortlisted for two national awards
Ilkley Christmas Lights Switch-On to return in November
Ryanair announce new flights from Leeds Bradford Airport
Winter DalesBus timetable changes announced for Ilkley
Leeds Bradford Airport strikes suspended as fresh pay talks planned
New Bradford railway station could benefit Ilkley passengers
Historic Ilkley building begins new chapter as Verbeia Grange opens
Inherited jewellery: where do you start?
MOVE Ilkley celebrates successful open afternoon
Free Bonfire Night event returning to Ilkley Cricket Club
Hundreds of new homes proposed for Ilkley and Addingham in Local Plan
