Fire at Brimham Rocks

Firefighters have been tackling a wildfire at Brimham Rocks.

The fire, which was reported at 2pm, was discovered quickly - but destroyed 50 square metres of moorland heather habitat before it was put out.

Crews from Harrogate and Knaresborough attended the scene.

It's not known how the fire started.

In a statement, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews from Harrogate and Knaresborough responded to reports of a large fire in the open. Crews used 1 hose reel jet and grass beaters to extinguish the heather fire which measured 50m x 50m. The cause is unknown at this time."

In a statement, the National Trust said: "We’re not sure yet how the fire started, but as the weather continues to warm up we’d encourage all our visitors to follow the countryside code. We need to protect the rare birds and diverse plant life that call Brimham Rocks home which is why fires and BBQ’s are strictly not allowed here.

"Many thanks to the efforts of the North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service who sent two fire engines to douse the flames and limit the spread of this potentially more dangerous fire."

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