15 April 2025
Recent dry conditions in the North York Moors have forced the National Park Authority to announce a fire alert.
The recent warm and sunny weather has been enjoyed by many, but data shows that heather and other vegetation has become extremely dry. With no significant rain forecast, and breezy conditions resulting in further moisture loss from foliage and soil, National Park Rangers have been putting up fire risk warning signs across the North York Moors.
The signs inform people how to reduce the risk of wildfire and will remain in place until the risk passes. Instructions include:
- No fires or BBQs. A blowing spark could lead to disaster.
- Do not litter. Carefully dispose of cigarettes, matches and glass bottles and do not throw cigarette ends out of car windows.
- Call 999 if you see a fire or witness suspicious activity.
The National Park Authority is keen to stress that whilst the area can still be enjoyed safely, extra caution is required.
Ben Jackson, who manages the Ranger service in the south of National Park, said:
“The term wildfire might lead people to think that these events are spontaneous natural disasters, but the initial spark is nearly always due to human activity.
“We monitor conditions and local data throughout the year to determine when there is a heightened risk of a serious incident. We also work closely with other groups and organisations such as North Yorkshire Moors Railway and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to ensure the risk is effectively communicated and managed as far as is possible. However, it is essential the wider public follow these fire risk guidelines.
"A wildfire in the National Park could be catastrophic for our wildlife and habitats, not to mention a serious danger to people.”
If people see a fire, they should report it quickly to the fire service by dialling 999.
Last week the North Yorkshire Moors Railway made the decision to run all of their services with diesel engines to reduce the risk of lineside fires.
ENDS
Media contacts
Nina Beadle, Communications Office, North York Moors National Park Authority
press@northyorkmoors.org.uk
01439 772700
The North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, ancient woodland and historic sites. Created on 28 November 1952, it became Britain’s sixth national park. Covering an area of 554 square miles (1,436 square kilometres) the National Park has 26 miles of coastline, two national nature reserves, 840 Scheduled Monuments and over 3,000 listed buildings, attracting an estimated 8.4 million visitors a year.
The National Park has two visitor centres, Danby Lodge National Park Centre and Sutton Bank National Park Centre, providing opportunities for cycling, walking, eating, picnicking, shopping, crafts and wildlife-watching. The centre in Danby also houses the Inspired by… gallery, which features regularly changing exhibitions by artists who draw their inspiration from the North York Moors.
The North York Moors National Park Authority works with a wide variety of people to care for this beautiful corner of Yorkshire, providing apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities with nearly 14% of staff being apprentices from local families.