Barbecues and fires banned in Dales open spaces

12 September 2025

Isaac Ashe, East Midlands

News image — Acres of land in the Peak District have been affected by fires this year, including this blaze in Beeley Moor

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service An aerial view of a fire with areas of flames seen along the edge of the blaze and plumes of smoke rising — Acres of land in the Peak District have been affected by fires this year, including this blaze in Beeley Moor

Barbecues and open fires have been banned from all public land in the Derbyshire Dales.

An existing public spaces protection order (PSPO) from Derbyshire Dales District Council, which covers land it owns and manages, was extended following a six-week consultation on Thursday.

All land with public access, including restricted byways, cycle tracks and footpaths, is now covered by the powers that allow the council to fine those who break the rules.

The council is also applying to the government to approve an increase in the amount it can fine people, currently £100.

The district council said prohibited actions included the lighting of fires, the lighting or use of stoves - with some exceptions - barbecues and other devices using an open flame, and the discarding of lighted matches and other things likely to cause fire.

The district covers towns and villages including Matlock, Bakewell and Ashbourne as well as parts of the Peak District National Park.

It comes after barbecues and campfires were banned in part of the Peak District by High Peak Borough Council in June.

The council said in approving a new PSPO covering the period from 2025 to 2028, the authority's community and environment committee also signed off on rules around dogs and dog fouling.

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.