Warning reissued as crews from across North Yorkshire attend wildfires
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (NYFRS) has reissued a warning not to spark wildfires following a series of incidents on the North York Moors this week.
Fire crews from 17 different stations have been called into action on the North York Moors and coast this week, many tackling the devastating blaze at Malton Hospital.
A spokesperson for NYFRS said: It’s already been an incredibly busy week for our crews, officers and Control Room staff.
“If we're honest, you're probably getting a bit bored of hearing us repeat this advice but we're sharing it because this hot weather means it really does matter.
“Please help us reduce the risk of fires both at home and when you're out enjoying the countryside;
At home:
- please keep BBQs well away from sheds, fences, hedges, trees and buildings.
- Always make sure coals are completely cool before disposing of them.
- Avoid having garden bonfires during prolonged hot, dry weather.
When you're out and about, remember that it only takes a tiny spark to start a wildfire.
- Instead of taking a BBQ into the countryside, pack a picnic.
- Please take all litter home with you, particularly glass bottles and jars, which can increase the risk of fires.
- Never light campfires, as the ground is extremely dry and even a small spark can ignite nearby vegetation. Fires can also spread unseen beneath the surface, making them difficult to detect and control.
- Please follow all warning signs and guidance in the areas you visit.”
Since Monday, crews from Scarborough have tackled a tractor fire in Cayton which spread to adjacent grassland measuring approximately 20 sqm, and extinguished a fire on grass banking at Woodland Ravine.
They have also tackled a forest fire at Wykeham, extinguished a camp fire in the Forge Valley and tackled a fire in an industrial premises in Kirkbymoorside alongside crews from Kirkbymoorside and Thirsk.
On Tuesday Pickering crews tackled a 60sqm fire in the open at Wrelton, before joining with crews from Malton, Kirkbymoorside, Acomb, York, Helmsley, Pocklington, and Selby to tackle the blaze at Malton Hospital.
On Wednesday, Lythe crews attended a campfire left unattended in East Ayton, and were called into action again on Thursday to tackle a similar blaze in Sawdon.
Also on Wednesday, Whitby crews extinguished a disposable BBQ in Goathland because it was close to moorland.
On Thursday, two crews from Malton, alongside crews from York, Harrogate, Sherburn, Robin Hoods Bay and Selby were mobilised to a standing crop fire which spread to three fields. Local farmers assisted with water and cutting the field to try prevent further fire spread.
Also on Thursday, crews from Acomb, Thirsk, Huntington and Pickering responded to reports of a tractor and a field on fire in Hovingham. On arrival crews found a field measuring 100 x 80 metres alight.
Crew from Filey were also in action in Flixton to extinguish an unattended bonfire.