Moorland Fires In Peak And North Yorkshire

Firefighters have been kept busy fighting a number of small moorland fires in the Peak District and North Yorkshire Moors despite the suspension of the right to roam on open access land last week.

In the Peak District there have been outbreaks of fire on Black Hill, Rainow and Bleaklow above Glossop with helicopters being brought in to douse fires burning deep in the peat. The worst affected area is 20 hectares of land on Bleaklow above Glossop which was damped down by firefighters using high pressure hoses.

Sean Prendergast, the Peak Park's Head of Access and Recreation appealed to people to be vigilant and use some common sense:

"We are asking the public to support us in this: we appeal to people not under any circumstances to smoke, light naked flames or barbecues near the moors."

Meanwhile in North Yorkshire, access to the moors at Fylingdales near Whitby was restricted early last week after fire spread across some 163 acres. Around 55 firefighters and 11 engines were needed to bring the blaze under control with further damping being undertaken in the following days.

As of today, both areas have still suspended the right to roam, though walkers and climbers can still use public rights of way which are not affected by the restrictions.

In the Peak, ranger-guided walks at the weekend were cancelled with a review of the situation due today, Monday. People booked on walks should call the rangers' office on 01629 816290 before heading out.

Be careful out there.