VISITORS to the North York Moors are urged to be vigilant as the recent hot weather has led to an increased risk of moorland and forest fires in the National Park. 

Staff from the National Park Authority will be putting up fire risk warning signs on key sites this week advising people how they can help to reduce the risk of fires. The signs are planned to stay in place until the fire risk passes. 

Bernie McLinden the North York Moors National Park Authority’s senior ranger said that fires can be prevented if care is taken. 

She said: "Past episodes have shown that under these tinderbox conditions, moorland fires can spread extremely quickly causing significant damage to the landscape and its wildlife.

"The message we want to give to people is please do come and enjoy the North York Moors but, as the majority of moorland fires can be prevented, please take extra care while the fire risk signs are in place."

Although rain is forecast in the coming days, the Authority say it may not be enough to make a different to the current dry condition on the moors. 

As the controlled heather burning period for gamekeepers has now ended, any fire spotted will be a wild fire and should be reported. If people see a fire they should report it quickly to the fire service by dialling 999.

Visitors are also asked to avoid lighting fires and BBQs and to not discard cigarettes, matches or glass bottles including throwing cigarette ends out of car windows.