Dry conditions mean North York Moors is placed on fire alert

A reduction in rainfall, coupled with very dry ground vegetation such as heather and bracken, has prompted the decision by the National Park Authority to implement the alert.

Even if rain is forecast, it may not be enough to make a difference to conditions on the moors.

Bernie McLinden, senior ranger (coast) at the North York Moors National Park said: “Past experience has shown us that under these types of conditions, moorland fires can spread extremely quickly causing significant damage to the landscape and its wildlife.

"The message we want to give to people is please do come and enjoy the North York Moors and, as the majority of moorland fires can be prevented, please take extra care and follow the advice on the signs, such as avoiding lighting fires and BBQs and to not discard cigarettes, matches or glass bottles including throwing cigarette ends out of car windows.”

The National Park Authority will be putting fire risk warning signs up on key sites advising people what they can do to help to reduce the risk.

The signs will remain in place until the fire risk passes.