TWO men have been charged with causing the Darwen moors fire last summer.

Jack Birtwistle, 25, of Marsham Grove, and Henry Clark, 25, Epworth Street, both Darwen, will be appearing before the courts accused of arson.

They are due before Blackburn magistrates next month.

A police spokesman said: “You will remember that in May and June last year there was a significant fire on the moors of Darwen, which required the response of Lancashire Fire and Rescue over a 7 day period.

“The cause of fire was found to be a barbecue, and whilst it wasn’t intentional, the impact the fire had on the land is still evident today.

“Over the last seven months PC Andy Crow from the Darwen Local Policing Team has worked with a variety of agencies including United Utilities and Natural England, and as a result two males have recently been reported for the offence of arson. 

“Jack Birtwistle, 25 and Henry Clark, 25, both of Darwen will be appearing in court in due course.

“Whilst I would hope the current weather conditions mean nobody is likely barbecuing up on the moors at the minute, it does serve as a timely reminder of the danger open fires can have across moorland, particularly when it is warm and dry.”