North York Moors placed on fire alert

The North York Moors have been placed on fire alert by the National Park Authority, less than two weeks after being covered in snow.

It means fires and barbeques are banned, and National Park rangers are urging people to be extra vigilant.

It's been caused by a lack of rainfall, causing heather and bracken ground vegetation to become extremely dry.

Officials have placed signs across the national park, advising visitors how they can help reduce the risk of fire.

Senior Ranger, Bernie McLinden, said: "Moorland fires can spread extremely quickly and can cause significant damage to wildlife and habitats.

"People should not light fires or barbecues and please do not carelessly discard cigarettes, matches or glass bottles. This includes throwing cigarette ends out of car windows.

"It is not unprecedented for fires to occur at this time of year and 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."

Officials at the authority say no controlled heather burning is taking place, so any sighted fires are wild fires, and anyone who sees one should call 999.

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