FIRE service chiefs are urging people across the region to be extra careful when out and about in the countryside and on moorland this summer.

Brigade bosses have issued advice to help prevent fires in the open, which can take-up valuable resources and threaten wildlife and habitat.

Keighley firefighters have attended a number of grass fires this year.

And in April they helped tackle a large blaze on Marsden Moor, which burned for several days.

A specialist wildfire unit based at Keighley fire station assisted in the operation, which involved more than a dozen fire engines from across West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. A helicopter was also brought in to help.

Dale Gardiner, wildfire lead officer with West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “The fire at Marsden Moor remains fresh in the minds of everyone involved – from our firefighters who worked incredibly hard to put out the flames, to the local communities which were disrupted.

“Moorland and wildfires can be started in a number of ways.

“Sadly many fires in the countryside are started deliberately, however some can break out through people being careless with barbecues or campfires or not disposing of cigarettes properly.

“Our message is strong and clear – never have a barbecue or campfire on the moors or start a fire deliberately, wherever you are in the countryside.

“Many people think it’s just a flame from a barbecue that can set moorland on fire, but it’s actually the heat from the disposable barbecue that often sets peat and dry moorland alight.

“Public space protection orders are in place in Calderdale, Bradford and Kirklees, which actually ban fires and barbecues at such locations – as well as on Marsden Moor.”

The brigade has an ongoing #BeMoorAware campaign highlighting the risks and encouraging people to take precautions when out on moorland and in countryside.

Advice includes:

* Take your rubbish home after picnics

* Observe all signs and notices

* Follow the National Trust Countryside Code

* Don’t discard glass bottles. Not only may they injure people and animals, but they could magnify the sun’s rays and start a fire

* If you notice anything suspicious, report it by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through the moor watch website at moorwatch.co.uk

* Never throw lit cigarette ends onto the ground. Always ensure that they are completely extinguished and disposed of responsibly

* Never be tempted to light a fire in the countryside and only barbecue in authorised areas

Further tips can be found at westyorksfire.gov.uk/your-safety/community/be-moor-aware.