FIREFIGHTERS have warned of the danger posed by wildfires - which can strike anywhere in the South Pennines region - to endangered wildlife, farm livestock, valuable habitat and human health.

As good weather both dries out the peatland and encourages more people into the countryside, the likelihood of wildfires increases at this time of year, said Danny Jackson, chairman of the South Pennines Fire Operations Group, which covers parts of Greater Manchester, including the West Pennine Moors across the northernmost parts of Bury.

“Spring is a real danger period for moorland wildfires, which is why firefighters and landowners are asking members of the public to be extra vigilant when out in the countryside,” said Mr Jackson.

He added: “The negative impact of wildfires across the moors is widely recognised, including the economic impact on farmers through the loss of grazing.The loss of habitat and the effect that these fires have on nesting birds, can also clearly be seen but in addition we want to highlight the hidden dangers; the pollution, the release of carbon into the atmosphere, and the impact on people’s health.”