'Numerous' flare-ups as moor fire continues

The fire service has continued to contain the moor blaze

A wildfire at Langdale Moor saw multiple flare-ups over the weekend, as efforts to tackle the blaze continued for a fourth week.

The fire, near RAF Fylingdales in North Yorkshire, started on 11 August and covers an area of around 10 sq miles (25 sq km).

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (NYFRS) said there had been "numerous flare-ups" on Sunday, but these were "within the contained boundary and have been dealt with through normal firefighting tactics".

"These flare-ups will continue for some time as the peat continues to burn under the surface, creating surface hotspots," the service said.

"These will look more dramatic at night.

"We will inform the public if there is any escalation of the incident."

Intense smoke billowed from the fire, as seen from Scarborough Castle last Tuesday evening

The fire service said that changes in weather, including increased rain, will mean that "smoke will linger at low levels" and may be more noticeable within nearby communities.

May Beck near Whitby was among the areas experiencing a flare-up.

It is still unclear how the fire started.

At a press conference on Friday, NYFRS Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Dyson said: "The cause of the fire is still ongoing and will be reported in due course."

He added that it was "exceptional we have lost no property, there's been no loss of life or no injuries to our staff" despite the size of the fire.

The fire service said: "If you are affected by smoke, please keep your doors and windows shut and continue to follow the advice available on North Yorkshire Council's website.

"Please check on vulnerable neighbours.

"Road closures are still in place.

"These are there for yours, and our emergency services' safety, therefore, please adhere to these and do not drive round them."

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