Visitors urged to be alert as warm weather continues

VISITORS URGED TO BE ALERT AS WARM WEATHER CONTINUES

People visiting the North York Moors over the Bank Holiday weekend are being asked to be particularly vigilant and to work with the National Park Authority to reduce the risk of moorland fires.

The unseasonably warm, dry weather during March and April, coupled with low rainfall over the winter months, mean that conditions on the Moors are very dry and with the warm weather set to continue over the holiday weekend, the risk of a fire breaking out is becoming a concern. Fire risk warnings are being put up around the National Park today advising visitors on how they can reduce the fire risk and what they should do if they spot a fire.

Bernie McLinden , a Senior Ranger for the North York Moors National Park Authority, said:

"We obviously want people to come and enjoy the North York Moors over the weekend but would urge people to be aware of the fire risk and to do what they can to help us prevent a fire from breaking out. In these tinderbox conditions moorland fires can spread very quickly and as past episodes have shown, can be devastating to the landscape and its wildlife. Visitors should avoid lighting fires on or near the moorland and should not discard cigarettes, matches or glass bottles. If they see a fire, they should report it quickly to the fire service so that they can take the appropriate action."

Station Manager Carl Boasman, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service says:" It's extremely important that visitors to the countryside take special care to prevent fire. We attend a number of serious fires on moor land every year, and most of these can be prevented." He continues "Moor fires are difficult to extinguish and can sometimes burn for weeks. This is a huge drain on our resources and causes untold damage to the countryside."

To help prevent fires on the Moors, visitors are reminded:

DO NOT light any fires or barbecues on or near the moorland area.

Extinguish smoking materials carefully and take all litter, especially glass containers, home with you.

If you come across a fire dial 999 and inform the fire service immediately