Fire chief backs plans for barbecue ban on Moorlands

New measures to tackle wildfires would also see fireworks and sky lanterns prohibited

- By Kerry Ashdown

A COUNCIL's plans to ban lighting of fires and barbecues in high risk open spaces have been backed by Staffordshire’s Chief Fire Officer.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is proposing the ban, which would also include restrictions of fireworks and sky lanterns, to help prevent wildfires.

A consultation on the Public Space Protection Order closed on Monday May 26. If the measures are approved, those caught flouting the ban would face a fine.

The spring’s dry weather has sparked concerns about wildfire risks across Staffordshire. Firefighters attended three incidents in March alone, the district council said. In Cannock Chase councillors were urged to raise awareness of how easily grass fires can start after a blaze that devastated around three acres of land at a nature reserve near Rugeley in April.

A report to the latest Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service public performance meeting revealed that between October 2024 and March 2025 there had been an increase of almost 30% in firefighter attendance at “secondary fires”. These are classed as small outdoor fires, not involving people or property, including refuse fires, grassland fires and fires in derelict buildings or vehicles.