'Exceptional' fire risk for moors

Flames tore through crops alongside the A19

Open access areas on the North York Moors have been closed in a bid to prevent fires.

The National Park Authority said the risk of fires on the moors had risen to an "exceptional level" due to the ongoing hot and dry weather conditions.

The moors have already suffered several fires due to the "tinderbox conditions" created by the heat, a spokesman said.

In September 2003, fire destroyed more than four square miles (6.4 sq km) of moorland on Fylingdales Moor.

Senior ranger Bernie McLinden said signs informing people of the closures were in place but the moors were still accessible from public rights of way.

"We are taking these precautions to help protect the countryside and its wildlife and hopefully prevent any further fires from occurring," she said.

The fire service is also urging people to take extra care in rural areas to avoid starting crop and moorland blazes.

The fire severity index is the highest it's been for some time Carl Boasman, North yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

On Monday, 35 fire fighters were called as flames tore through crops alongside the A19 near Thirkleby.

Motorists saw flames spread to within a few feet of their vehicles as thick black smoke smothered the carriageway.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue spokesman Carl Boasman said country fires caused problems for everyone.

"The fire severity index is the highest it's been for some time," he said.

"The last time we had some significant moorland fires was about three years ago and we're hoping that we don't get the same sort of incidents now."

He said discarded cigarettes and portable barbecues were among the main causes of moorland and crop blazes and urged people to take more care.

"Please don't light any fires whatsoever near the countryside or moorland areas because once it takes hold it creates a significant amount of problems," he said.