THE North York Moors National Park authority has issued a fire alert amid soaring temperatures and dry conditions.

Staff from the authority have been putting fire risk warning signs up on moorland sites this week, advising people how they can help to reduce the risk.

The signs will remain in place until the fire risk passes.

The decision has been prompted by the fact that the sunny weather is set to continue over the weekend, coupled with a lack of rain and very dry ground vegetation such as heather and bracken.

Senior Ranger Bernie McLinden, said: “People are asked to avoid lighting fires and BBQs and not to discard cigarettes, matches or glass bottles, including throwing cigarette ends out of car windows.

"Moorland fires can spread extremely quickly, as has been evident on Saddleworth Moor, and this can cause significant damage to the landscape and its wildlife.

"The majority of moorland fires can be prevented so we would urge people to take extra care when visiting the National Park while the fire risk signs are in place.”

If people see a fire, they should report it quickly to the fire service by dialling 999.

Over in the Peak District - also an area of moorland managed for grouse - Saddleworth Moor is currently seeing widespread wildfires which the Army is being called in to help tackle.