PEOPLE are being urged not to light fires or barbecues in the district's woodlands.

The plea has been issued by Bradford Council following an increase in incidents.

It warns that fires left lit or smouldering can quickly spread, destroying woodland and posing a threat to other people and wildlife.

The council reminds the public that bye-laws ban the lighting of fires or barbecues – and dropping lit matches or cigarettes – in woodlands, parks and other green spaces. Anyone in breach of the bye-laws can be fined.

Only authorised groups, which have stringent fire management procedures and risk assessments in place, are allowed to have fires in council woodland.

Fires and barbecues are also prohibited on moorland areas in the district under a public space protection order, which has recently been extended.

Anyone who notices a fire on council land is asked to dial 999.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's portfolio holder for healthy people and places, said: "Lighting fires in woodland is extremely dangerous, especially when the ground is dry and you are surrounded by flammable material. The potential damage and risk could be massive and far reaching. So we urge people to think twice and not do it."