The summer season is creeping towards us and the days become longer and the sun brighter.

But along with the summer comes new hazards, as Kirklees bans fires and barbeques from open public spaces. This is after a blaze broke out over Marsden Moor started by a discarded burning barbeque.

The fire spread west towards Saddleworth covering six square miles at its peak. The public Space Protection Order ban will be in force until the 31st of October covering Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Batley and Holmfirth.

Anyone found lighting a barbeque or fire on council National Trust or Yorkshire water owned land faces a fine up to £150.  A failure to pay these fines could lead to a court conviction and a max fine of £1000.

Craig Best, Countryside Manager for West Yorkshire said “we are working with Kirklees and the local fire service on enforcing this ban”

“We are trying to educate people about the risks of using a barbeque and being clear that people are not welcome in the uplands”

A public wildfire meeting is being held on the 21st of May for locals to attend held at Marsden Mechanics Hall for locals to give their opinion on how fires can be both better managed in the summer seasons and other measures that could be put in place to prevent further uncontrolled blazes.