Temporary Heatwave Closures on Open Access Land

© Peak District National Park

Temporary closures of Access Land in England and Wales are planned in an attempt to decrease the risk of wildfires as temperatures are predicted to reach record highs of up to 41°C in the coming days. The Met Office's Fire Severity Index (FSI) warns of Very High to Exceptional levels of fire risk across England and Wales this week, with severe hotspots leading to closures in areas including the Peak District National Park. Public footpaths are unaffected by the closures.

Access Land closures are planned to reduce the risk of wildfires.  © Peak District National Park
Access Land closures are planned to reduce the risk of wildfires.
© Peak District National Park

The FSI is an indicator of how severe a fire could become if one were to start. Wildfires are commonly caused by humans, including through the careless disposal of cigarettes or the use of barbecues in periods of high temperatures and dry conditions. They can also be sparked by agricultural machinery, self-heating ignition or all manner of causes.

On Twitter, information from authorities at the Peak District National Park reads:

'The risk of fire on the #PeakDistrict Moors has now reached a critical level, unseen for many years. As a result, public access has been suspended from all Access Land until this risk has reduced.'

'Rights of Way remain open for responsible users and are unaffected by any Access Land closures. With an expected change in conditions due on Wednesday, any removal of the closure will also be posted on our social media channels. Thanks.'

Access Land can be indicated by signs similar to those shown above, and temporary closure signs may also be in place. On OS 1:25,000 Explorer maps, Access Land is displayed in a yellow highlight, or in a light green for woodlands. 

For more information on which crags and walking areas fall under Access Land boundaries and further updates, visit Natural England's CRoW and Coastal Access Maps and Natural Resources Wales search tools.

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According to the Forestry Commission, between 2009 and 2017 an average of 4,600 hectares (11,000 acres; 18 sq mi) of land was burned by wildfire incidents every year in England, with the majority covering less than 1 hectare (2.5 acres; 12,000 sq yd) and only five exceeding an area greater than 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres; 3.9 sq mi).

While wildfires in the UK are generally smaller in scale than those experienced in mainland Europe and further afield, their frequency and severity are increasing.

Last month, a wildfire spread around the popular crag Oliana in Catalunya, devastating the surrounding forest and damaging the rock (UKC News).

How to reduce the risk of wildfires, according to the BMC:

  • Report any fire you see immediately by calling 999 and giving your location. 2 p.m.-8 p.m. is a particularly high-risk time of day and acting quickly can make a big difference to the chances of getting any fire rapidly under control.
  • Unfortunately malicious damage is occasionally the cause of moorland fires, so report any suspicious activity you see to the emergency services whilst out on the hills and moors.
  • Respect any 'high fire risk' warning signs placed by National Park or Local Authorities – they are only placed where there is very high risk due to very dry conditions.
  • Leave stoves, disposable BBQs or anything else with an open flame at home as a small mistake in their use could have catastrophic consequences.
  • No smoking in any areas of high fire risk (notified by warning signs at access points).
  • Dispose of litter, particularly glass, responsibly. Take everything you bring away with you.
  • Be aware of updated wildfire advice promoted by organisations such as the Peak District National Park Wildfires page.
Find more information on wildfires in this BMC article.
How to stay cool in the heat, by the NHS.

Watch a BMC video about the dangers of using disposable barbecues on the moors:


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