FIRE chiefs are urging people across the Keighley district to take extra care when out and about in the countryside.

Brigade bosses say the Easter period often heralds the start of drier and warmer weather – and wildfires.

Anyone picnicking is being urged to take their rubbish, particularly glass bottles, home.

And people are reminded that public space protection orders are in place on moorland across the district, which ban barbecues, fires, sky lanterns, fireworks and other dangerous items.

Andy Flynn, wildfire officer with West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, says: "Typically when Easter arrives, and the weather starts getting drier and warmer, we do unfortunately see an increase in moorland fires.

"We don’t want to stop people enjoying our beautiful countryside, but we do want everyone to enjoy it responsibly and safely.

"Little things such as taking rubbish home can make a big difference, and obviously not barbecuing or lighting fires on our moorland.

"Wildfires cause pollution, kill vulnerable wildlife and habitats and can take up a huge amount of firefighting resources, so we really want to avoid these types of fires in 2024."

Tips for taking care in the countryside and preventing wildfires can be found at westyorksfire.gov.uk/safety/be-moor-aware-wildfire-safety#