The Winter Hill moorland fire raged for more than a month ravaging a an area the size of around 2,500 football pitches almost six years ago.
It started as separate incidents, one incident close to the TV mast and one incident close to Scout Road, which combined to create an inferno.
More than 100 firefighters from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and further afield tackled the blaze, with help from mountain rescue teams, the armed forces and United Utilities.
Now to prevent another such moorland fire, new powers have been introduced to prohibit any activity which could lead to another such blaze – such as lighting barbeques, building or lighting campfires or camping stoves, lighting fireworks, or setting off night-sky paper lanterns.
Those breaking the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) rules could be fined up to £1,000.
Police have warned they will be stepping up patrols in the area as the days get longer and the weather warmer.
The force has joined up with Chorley, Bolton, and Blackburn with Darwen councils, along with the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and Lancashire Police, to spread awareness of the legal powers ahead of Spring and the coming warmer months.
Officers will patrol at-risk areas during hot and busy days, reminding people of their responsibilities. Breaching the PSPO is a criminal offence and could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Inspector Lisa Clarke from Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton district, said: “Moorland fires in recent times have seen a devastating impact – not only on local residents, farmland and communities, but the long-term consequences of loss of habitats, destruction of wildlife and vegetation, and pollution.
“Partners have worked collaboratively to secure one the of largest PSPO areas in the country. Hopefully this will act as a sufficient warning to deter the lighting of fires, but should any breaches be reported, positive policing action will be taken, which could result in penalties or fines.
“Throughout peak months, officers will be monitoring the areas around Winter Hill and land around Bolton, to ensure that those who are out enjoy themselves in a safe and responsible manner.”
Matt Hamer, Area Manager at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Lancashire knows only too well the devastating effects of wildfires following a fire on Winter Hill near Bolton in summer 2018, which destroyed 18 square kilometres of moorland, and a large fire started by a disposable BBQ on Darwen Moor in 2020.
“As spring approaches, we start to see an increase of calls for moorland and grass fires as the warm and dry weather begins, and the direct impact of wildfires upon our communities can be massive and can tie up critical emergency service resources.
“We fully support the PSPO and will continue to work with the councils and our partners to protect Lancashire’s great outdoors so everyone can enjoy it safely.”
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