FAQs - Wildfires
Help us to protect the National Park you love
The uplands of the Peak District National Park are of global environmental importance, dominated by large expanses of moor, blanket bog and upland heath. We must protect these moorlands from the considerable risk of damage by wildfires which are now an increasingly common occurrence throughout the year.
Whilst wildfire can occur at any time, the risk is particularly high in late winter/early spring - when vegetation has not yet had chance to 'green-up', and during periods of prolonged dry weather or high temperatures.
Our monitoring of risk is based upon the Met Office/Natural England 'Fire Severity Index' (FSI) which includes powers, under 'Extremely High' risk conditions to close Open Access Land.
We are also the lead partner in the region's Fire Operations Group.
How do fires start?
The majority of wildfires are unintentional, caused through carelessness. The most common causes can be:
- Unextinguished/poorly managed barbecues
- Discarded cigarettes
- Litter, including glass which causes intense heat
- Campfires
- Fireworks, 'Chinese' lanterns and other sources of unmanaged naked flames
Always take your litter home, or use bins where available. Bins are unlikely to be present in the open countryside or in the uplands.
Where can I have a BBQ in the Peak District?
There is currently no provision for having a BBQ anywhere in the open countryside of the Peak District. In some areas, these restrictions may be covered by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) with fines of up to £1,000 applied. Rangers, volunteers or the fire service often attend or patrol popular areas and may use equipment such as heat-sensing cameras and scopes to assess risk.
Please do not increase the risk to you, wildlife and what may be private property by having a BBQ or using any form of open fire.
BBQs are not permitted in the open countryside of the Peak District National Park
Barbecues, disposable barbecues or any form of open fire and flame are not permitted in the open countryside anywhere in the Peak District (including National Park Authority properties and estates). This position is shared by all major landowners in the area. Any use of these items within a private location such as a campsite requires the permission of the landowner.
You may occasionally see authorised or ‘controlled burning’, used as a vegetation management technique by some landowners and under the supervision of moorland estate managers. Do not approach areas where this is underway. Controlled burns are legally permitted between 1st OCTOBER and 15 APRIL each year under strict guidelines. The National Park Authority does not undertake controlled burns on its property or estates , nor do we set legislation on its use as a management technique.
Our ask to retailers and the sale of disposable BBQs
The National Park Authority supports proposals led by a number of groups including Fire Services and other national parks for a nationwide ban on the sale of so-called disposable BBQs. Whilst we recognise the importance and value of consumer choice and responsible use, disposable BBQs have been a proven and regular source of ignition for wild fires in the Peak District National Park, causing significant damage to protected habitats and putting unnecessary strain on emergency services and other support partners.
What to do if you see fire in the countryside
If an uncontrolled fire is present in the open countryside, or you see large volumes of smoke contact the Fire Service on 999, giving as much detail about the location as possible. Never put yourself at any risk by tackling a fire.
If you see someone deliberately setting a fire, using a BBQ or other naked flame outside of designated areas like a campsite, contact Firestoppers on
Please do not call, email or contact the National Park Authority via social media to report fires, as first-hand caller information would need to be provided to the Fire Service directly and we are unable to do this. It can also increase response times to an incident.
Please check with individual campsites for guidance on barbecues in approved areas.