Firefighters battle forest fire at Wykeham forest after blaze rapidly spreads
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (NYFRS) tackle significant fire in Wykeham Forest after an initial report quickly escalated.
At 11:41am on August 2, a crew from Scarborough responded to reports of a fire measuring 5 metres by 5 metres. However, on arrival, firefighters discovered the blaze had spread to approximately 20 metres by 20 metres, involving trees, bushes and undergrowth.
Additional resources were immediately requested, with crews attending from Robin Hood's Bay, Sherburn, Pickering and Filey, alongside a Water Bowser from Tadcaster, an Argocat from Kirkbymoorside, and a Welfare Unit from Thirsk.
The location of the fire was identified using a What Three Words reference provided by a passing cyclist, who first reported seeing the fire at 11:41am.
At the height of the incident, five North Yorkshire fire appliances were involved, supported by the specialist Argocat from Kirkbymoorside and the Water Bowser from Tadcaster. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze while protecting the surrounding forest.
Members of the public were advised to stay clear of the area while firefighting tactics were in operation.
NYFRS issues an update this morning (August 3) at 8:30am
They stated that the incident was scaled down at around 3pm yesterday.
Crews remained at the scene until late last night damping down hotspots.
A revisit to the site is due to take place this morning.