THE process has been started to "gradually restore services" according to site operator Arqiva after the fire at Bilsdale TV mast in North Yorkshire.

The fire, which broke out yesterday afternoon, has left up to a million people without TV and radio signal.

READ MORE: Bilsdale mast fire latest: Up to a million still without TV and radio

A statement issued by the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service last night said: "We are currently in attendance tacking a fire at Bilsdale transmitting centre which includes Bilsdale mast.

"We currently have six fire appliances and our mobile water bowser as well as command and control assets in attendance."

The TV mast is primarily used for radio and television transmission and is among the most powerful in the UK.

In an updated statement issued by Arqiva today, they have said that the process to restore services has been started.

READ MORE: When could my TV signal return after the Bilsdale TV mast fire? The latest

A spokesperson for Arqiva said: "Following the incident at Bilsdale yesterday (10/08/21) our teams continue to work with the emergency services to ensure the safety of the site.

We have started the process to gradually restore services using a combination of temporary structures and existing infrastructure elsewhere in the region, and will be moving through this process as quickly and safely as possible.

We will continue to share updates as we have them”.

The fire had been extinguished last night, however, a 300 metre exclusion zone remains around the mast.

READ MORE: How to tune into the Blackpool vs Middlesbrough match after Bilsdale fire

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We will return tomorrow when the site is declared safe to bring the incident to a conclusion."

*UPDATE* North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have tweeted: "We are awaiting confirmation from structural engineers that Bilsdale transmission tower is structurally secure.

"We will then return for a closer examination and to resume the process of investigating the cause.

They added: "At this time there is nothing to suggest that the fire is the result of any criminal activity but this cannot be confirmed until a closer examination has been carried out."

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