Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is to be part of a new national wildfire response capability, launched by Fire Minister Samantha Dixon MP.

The specialist wildfire team, based at Bacup Fire Station, will now be available to support large-scale incidents both here in Lancashire and across the country.

As the risk of wildfires continues to grow, this new role recognises the skills, experience and specialist equipment our crews bring to challenging incidents in open and rural environments.

Chief Fire Officer Jon Charters said: "We are incredibly proud of the work taking place across Lancashire, and Bacup is a great example of that. The team has developed into a highly skilled and capable wildfire asset that will now support communities not just locally, but across the UK.

"We will continue to work innovatively, building on our experience and partnerships, to make our communities safer and strengthen our response to emerging risks.''

As wildfire risk increases, the Service is continuing to urge residents and visitors to take simple steps to reduce the chance of fires starting.

Wildfires can ignite easily and spread rapidly, putting lives, property and natural habitats at risk. Many are caused by human activity and can be prevented with small changes in behaviour.

People are being advised to:

• avoid using disposable barbecues in open areas and instead take a picnic

• never light campfires on moorland or in the countryside

• dispose of cigarettes safely and never throw them from car windows

• take all litter home, particularly glass, which can start fires in sunlight

• call 999 immediately if they see smoke or flames

By working together, everyone can play a role in protecting Lancashire’s landscapes and helping to prevent wildfires.

For more information about wildfire safety, visit the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service website.

If you see smoke or flames, call 999 immediately.