Residents are being asked to have their say on whether on-the-spot fines should be introduced for people who have barbecues on moorland around Greater Manchester.
Oldham and Tameside council bosses are proposing public space protection orders as a measure to avoid future fires.
The orders would ban people from taking barbecues, fireworks or sky lanterns onto the moorland.
People found to be breaching the order would be fined £90 or would face being prosecuted in court.
Last year, the army was drafted in after a huge blaze ripped through Saddleworth Moor.
Fire crews spent weeks battling the fire, which destroyed many acres of moorland.
The public consultation on the introduction of public space protection orders (PSPOs) will run from July 8 to August 5.
Residents, councillors and businesses will be able to comment on the proposals.
Coun Arooj Shah, deputy leader of Oldham council and cabinet member for social justice and communities, said: “The moors above Saddleworth are home to some of the most beautiful countryside in England.
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“Unfortunately, over the last few years several huge fires, some which have been started by discarded barbecues, have put lives and property at risk.
“We believe animals have died in the fires and it will take years for the moorland to return to normal.
“Fighting the fires also tied up resources that could have been needed elsewhere, in the process costing hundreds of thousands of pounds. That can’t go on.
“The proposed PSPOs are very simple – they would be in place to stop people taking barbecues onto the moors
“We aren’t trying to be killjoys – we want people to go out and enjoy our countryside and just to act responsibly. If they don’t then they could face action.”
Coun Allison Gwynne, Tameside council’s executive member for neighbourhoods, said: “Although the 2018 fires were the worst in living memory, moorland fires are not uncommon. They take place every year, and there’s strong evidence to suggest that the vast majority are the result of thoughtless behaviour.
“I believe the PSPOs, used alongside education and information, would help us to significantly reduce the number of fires. They not only cause large-scale destruction but also needlessly endanger people and put a strain on already stretched services.
“Last year’s fires could so easily have resulted in tragedy. It was only the tireless efforts of so many firefighters, soldiers and others - as well as a hugely impressive community response - that ensured no lives were lost.”
Details on the proposed PSPOs will be available on the Oldham and Tameside council websites from July 8.
