Wildfire warning for North York Moors as weather heats up
There's a plea for "extra vigilance" as we head into the summer
An official fire alert for the North York Moors has been announced, with warm dry weather expected over the weekend.
The National Park Authority is going to be putting up signs around the area and advising people on how to reduce the risk.
The announcement comes following a fire on Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Fen Bog nature reserve in the North York Moors last month, and as firefighters continue to battle an extremely serious fire in the Scottish Highlands and further fires on Marsden Moor in West Yorkshire.
Malcolm Hodgson, National Trails Officer for the North York Moors National Park, said: "While the term ‘wildfire’ might lead people to think that these events are natural or spontaneous, it’s the actions of people that pose the greatest risks.
“Prolonged dry weather creates the right environment for fire to spread quickly and out of control, but the initial spark is nearly always due to human behaviour.
“Wildfires are a complete disaster for our very special habitats. It is devastating to see the damage they cause.
"Peatland fires are also extremely difficult to extinguish and release significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere."
People are being asked not to bring barbeques or light campfires, and to take great care when disposing of cigarette ends and glass bottles.