Since 2018 there have been 12 wildfires that have devastated 81.22 hectares of land that has led to tonnes of carbon being released into the atmosphere.
The Moors for the Future Partnership, in a statement, said: “With climate change making weather more extreme, and with increased numbers of people visiting the area, the need for someone to engage with the public and talk to them about the need to avoid wildfires has never been greater.”
Even though there is a ban on open flames and disposable barbecues on the Peak District barbecues and open flames still remain the main cause of wildfires in the area.
In order to combat this fire risk, the British Mountaineering Council Access and Conservation Trust has funded a wildfire prevention officer for the Peak district and the Moorland.
The wildfire prevention officer Damian, said “Having a fire is really dangerous in Peak District woodland and peat moorland, so I spend a lot of time out on patrol and talking to visitors.
“I cover the popular climbing and walking edges of Stanage, Burbage, Millstone, Froggatt and Curbar, averaging about nine miles of walking a day.”
The increase in dry and warm weather earlier in the year has increased the number of wildfires each year from one to two. Damian also said: “I’m recruiting a volunteer team and during weekends into the evenings we’ll visit certain hotspots where we know there are problems with open fires and barbecues.”
The team has also started to use thermal imaging drones in order to catch people using open flames and prevent any chance of a wildfire starting.
However, some say that having a Wildfire prevention officer is not enough. Andrew Gilruth, Chief Executive of the Moorland Association said: “Employing a hundred engagement officers will not solve the central problem facing the Peak District: dangerous vegetation fuel loads are building up because government policy is preventing experienced land managers from reducing them, increasing the risk and severity of wildfires every year.
“Awareness matters, but it is no substitute for practical fuel reduction. We need to recognise that before there is a catastrophic incident.”
The British Mountaineering Council say that if you spot smoke or flames to immediately contact 999 and ask for the fire department, and to provide a precise location using the What3Words app.