No Moor Fires PSPO

Overview

Wildfires are fast‑spreading fires that burn through moorland and other vegetation, causing extensive damage. While some start naturally, most are the result of human carelessness or deliberate actions.

Moorland fires can quickly escalate into major incidents and are extremely difficult for emergency services to manage. They cause long‑term harm to wildlife, livestock, habitats, farmland and property, leave lasting scars on the landscape, and create air and water pollution that can affect communities many miles away.

To help reduce wildfire risk, Chorley Council introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in September 2023 covering part of the West Pennine Moors. The PSPO aims to prevent anti‑social behaviour linked to fire‑setting while still allowing people to use and enjoy the area responsibly.

A PSPO can remain in place for up to three years at which point it needs to be extended, amended or allowed to expire. We are now seeking the views of residents, businesses and agencies in relation to a proposed extension of the current PSPO.

The current PSPO prohibits (bans) activities which carry a significant risk of causing wildfires. These include building or lighting any kind of fire or barbeque, lighting fireworks or setting off sky (open flame heat source) lanterns.

Why your views matter

The proposed Public Space Protection Order and Restricted Area Map can be found on the Chorley Council PSPO webpage.

Responses will be analysed by Chorley Borough Council for the purposes of this consultation.

Results will be published on the Chorley Council PSPO webpage.