APPOINTMENT OF WILDFIRE ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
The British Mountaineering Council’s (BMC) charity, the BMC Access & Conservation Trust has funded a Wildfire Engagement Officer for the Sheffield Moors area. This is because a staggering 81.22 hectares (114 football pitches) of Peak District peatland has been devastated by more than 12 wildfires in the Peak District’s Sheffield Moors area since 2018, at an estimated cost of £1.6 million to the UK economy. This new role supports the existing, highly skilled ranger team to address the escalating threat of wildfires caused by climate change, deliberate incidents and recreational fires.
The new Wildfire Engagement Officer, Damian, comes from a 30+ year career in the emergency services and he was a Fire Warden in Staffordshire last summer. “Most people do not set out on a beautiful Peak District evening to start a wildfire, but it’s so easily done,” says Damian. “My role is about education and proactive protection - stopping a spark before it becomes a catastrophe. I’d say that 99% of people have no idea how dangerous their campfire or disposable barbecue can be, or even that these are banned in the Peak District."
Key public safety guidance:
• Zero tolerance on naked flames – barbecues and campfires are strictly prohibited in the Peak District. One stray ember can devastate centuries of peat growth, sending thousands of tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere, degrading water quality, killing thousands of insects and ground-nesting birds, endangering firefighters (including volunteers) and harming local businesses.
• Emergency protocol – if you spot smoke or flames, dial 999 immediately and ask for the fire service. Provide a precise location using What3Words or a grid reference.
• Rapid ignition – do not be deceived by wet weather; vegetation can dry out within the hour even after heavy rainfall, creating ideal wildfire conditions.
• It could be you. No one thinks their fire will get out of control so they try one anyway despite the ban – instead, take a hot flask or use a camping stove with care.
