FAQs - Wildfires
Help us to protect the National Park you love
The moorlands of the Peak District National Park are of global environmental importance, dominated by large expanses of blanket bog and upland heath. We must protect these moorlands from the considerable risk of damage by wildfires which are sadly a common occurrence throughout the year.
How do fires start?
The majority of wildfires are unintentional, caused through carelessness. The most common causes are:
- Unextinguished/poorly managed barbecues
- Discarded cigarettes
- Litter, including glass which causes intense heat
- Campfires
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 in the open countryside of the Peak District. In some areas, these restrictions may be covered by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) with fines applicable.
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.
If staying at a designated campsite, please check with the owner regarding permissions for BBQs.
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. 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. These items are not permitted on National Park Authority land.
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) which directly prohibit the use of items such as disposable BBQs, fireworks, open fires and Chinese lanterns are also in place in some local authority areas.
The risk of fire in the open countryside can cause catastrophic damage to wildlife, habitats and put emergency services at risk. The impact of wild fires can cost many millions of pounds to charities, landowners and businesses.
You may occasionally see authorised or ‘controlled burning’, used as a specialist vegetation management technique and under the supervision of moorland estate managers. Do not approach areas where this is underway. Controlled burns are unlikely to be taking place between the summer period of May - September so any fire at this time should be reported to the Fire Service on 999.
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 fellow 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. Do not put yourself at any risk by tackling a fire.
If you see someone deliberately setting a fire or using BBQs or other naked flames outside of approved areas like a campsite, contact Firestoppers on
Please do not call us to report fires, as first-hand information would need to be provided to the Fire Service directly and we unable to do this from our offices.
Please check with individual campsites for guidance on barbecues in approved areas.