North York Moors National Park Authority issues fire alert due to recent dry weather

Staff at the Park Authority have been putting up signs warning of the fire risk Credit: North York Moors Park Authority

The North York Moors National Park Authority has issued a fire alert due to the recent dry conditions.

Staff from the Park Authority have been putting up fire risk warning signs this week. These are to remain in place until the fire risk passes.

The Authority is urging people to enjoy the park but to do it carefully.

Bernie McLinden, Senior Ranger, said: "People are asked to avoid lighting fires and BBQs and not to discard cigarettes, matches or glass bottles, including throwing cigarettes out of car windows."

A fire has been raging in Saddleworth Moor in the North West of England this week, with the army drafted in to help firefighters put it out and contain the spread of the fire.

Ms McLinden added: "Moorland fires can spread extremely quickly, as has been evident on Saddleworth Moor, and this can cause significant damage to the landscape and its wildlife.

"The majority of moorland fires can be prevented so we would urge people to take extra care when visiting the National Park while the fire risk signs are in place."

If anyone sees a fire they are being advised to quickly report it to the fire service by calling 999.

They are also being told that due to the controlled heather burning period for gamekeepers being over, any fire will be a wildfire and should be immediately reported.