Reform UK councillors on Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) are calling for a borough-wide ban on open flames in public places in a bid to reduce the risk of wildfires.

The proposal will be debated at a Full Council meeting on 6 October and comes after a number of wildfires in Solihull and across the UK during recent periods of hot, dry weather.

If approved, the motion would see the Council begin consultation on a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering all publicly accessible land, including parks, nature reserves, conservation areas and public rights of way.

The proposed PSPO would ban the lighting of fires, including disposable barbecues, campfires, bonfires and fire pits.

It would also prohibit the reckless disposal of lit materials such as cigarettes and matches, as well as the use of fireworks and sky lanterns.

Anyone found breaching the rules could face a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice, rising to a maximum fine of £1,000 if prosecuted through the courts.

The motion argues that many wildfires are caused by negligence or deliberate fire-setting and says existing bylaws do not provide consistent coverage or sufficient enforcement powers across the borough.

It also raises concerns about overgrown roadside verges and areas of grassland, warning that vegetation left to grow beyond a metre in height can become a fire risk during prolonged dry periods.

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Councillors are also seeking a review of biodiversity areas on the public highway that may pose a fire risk and want the Council's Chief Executive to write to the Police and Crime Commissioner calling for stronger action against those who deliberately start wildfires.

Cllr Alan Feeney, who is proposing the motion, said: "Wildfires used to be something we saw on the news from other countries.

"Now they're on our doorstep, putting homes, wildlife and our fire crews at risk.

"Most of these fires start with something completely avoidable, like a disposable barbecue or a dropped cigarette.

"A single, borough-wide rule that everyone understands, and that can actually be enforced, is common sense."

The motion will be considered by councillors at the Full Council meeting on 6 October.