Wildfire action call made by MP as moorland burns

Acres of land in the Peak District have been affected by fires this year

A call was made for the risk of wildfires in places like the Peak District to be discussed in Parliament at the same time as a fire had broken out.

Jon Pearce raised the issue in the House of Commons on Thursday after a number of recent blazes.

As the High Peak MP was stood up in London to address the need for a debate, in his constituency eight fire crews from Derbyshire, South and West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester were descending on a wildfire at Black Ashop Moor near Snake Road, Bamford.

The government said it would provide an update in due course.

Labour MP Pearce said: "Although many of us are enjoying the hot, dry weather, it does increase the risk of wildfires - in the past month alone, firefighters have been called to 20 wildfires in the Peak District."

These include a major incident in Goyt Valley which shut roads, destroyed 800 acres and took days to bring under control.

High Peak Borough Council has since approved an order for public areas of the Peak District within its borders, giving powers to police and council officers "to reduce the risk of wildfires".

It has banned lighting fires, barbecues, fireworks and sky lanterns, and carrying items which officers think will be used to do so, with fines of up to £100.

Jon Pearce was speaking in Parliament at the same time a fire broke out in his constituency

Pearce continued: "All too often, these fires are started by the irresponsible use of disposable barbecues.

"Locally, we are doing everything we can to prevent this. I have written to all local supermarkets asking them not to sell disposable barbecues.

"Will the Leader of the House hold a debate in Government time on how we reduce the risk of wildfires in our national parks?"

In response, Leader of the House Lucy Powell MP said the "irresponsible use of disposable barbecues" leads to "devastating consequences", adding: "Local authorities have existing powers to apply controls to restrict or ban the use of such barbecues in certain areas, but I will ensure that he gets an update on how we can take this further".