Visitors to the Peak District have been warned that large areas of the national park will be closed off to the public as soaring temperatures see the risk of wildfires reach a ‘critical’ level. As a precaution all access land is being closed off to the public until the risk has reduced.
The ban does not affect public footpaths in the Peak District, but people have been warned to be extra careful and pay particular attention to wildfire risks. Closure signs will be put in place in some areas.
There is around 500 sq km of access land in the Peak District and it includes moors, heaths, commons, unimproved hills and dalesides and land above 600m. These areas of land are often popular with visitors looking for a more ‘wild’ landscape and can be used for walking, bird watching, climbing and running.
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A statement on the Peak District National Park website said: “The risk of fires breaking out on the Peak District Moors has now reached a critical level, unseen for many years. As a result of this, public access will be suspended from Access Land affected by an 'Exceptional' level under the Fire Severity Index (FSI) until this exceptional risk has reduced.
“Access Land can be indicated by signs similar to those shown above, and in some areas temporary closure signs may also be in place. Whilst the fire risk remains exceptional, Access Land should not be entered until further notice.
“Public footpaths are unaffected by the Access Land closures, but we ask that people are particularly vigilant and take extra care to ensure they don’t risk starting a wild fire.”
Barbecues or any form of open fire and flame is not permitted in the open countryside anywhere in the Peak District. For more information on wildfires and how to report them, click here.
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