THE MOORLANDS around East Lancashire are a tinder-dry time bomb just waiting to explode, warn fire chiefs.

Vast tracts of parched grass and heather surround the towns of Blackburn, Darwen and Accrington, and a carelessly discarded cigarette could turn them into a fireball at any time.

Countryside rangers and fire brigades are bracing themselves for action, aware that if Britain enjoys another scorching summer then they could find themselves fighting flames on all fronts.

The delicate moorland needs tender loving care and plenty of common sense from the public, says countryside ranger Martin Dollimore, who warned: "If this dry, hot, windy weather continues until August it will dry out the ground and we could have a real problem on our hands.

"At the moment the earth is still damp from May's heavy rainfall but it is a touch-and-go situation."

Two years ago Darwen's famous moors were ravaged by fires - some of which blazed under the surface for more than two months.

Not only did it destroy heather and grass, it also burnt away the top layer of peat - the moorland's life support system - in some areas.

Now that the regeneration programme is almost complete, Martin is concerned that silly mistakes, such as discarding cigarettes and lighting camp fires, will spark another disaster.

Although the moors are still badly scarred from the fires of summer 1995, Martin is confident that the natural balance can be restored.

He added: "There are still burnt patches on the moors and the heather is hardly visible yet, but with a little care and attention and common sense, the moors will regain their beauty in time."

Darwen fire officer Paul Yates issued a special warning to revellers taking part in this year's Darwen Tower centenary celebrations.

He said: "As the warm weather dries the ground out, the risk of a fire escalates dramatically.

"People should be extra-vigilant when discarding cigarettes and ensure they take litter home."

He added: "When firefighters are tackling these blazes, they are obviously unavailable elsewhere and the emergency services can only provide a minimal service in other parts of the area."

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