Unexploded devices 'still pose risk' at moor fire

The fire service continues to deal with isolated flare-ups

The ongoing wildfire on the North York Moors remains a major incident with unexploded ordnance still posing a risk, the fire service has said.

Ben Illsley, area manager at North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (NYFRS), said more than 20 devices had exploded since the fire began near RAF Fylingdales on 11 August.

"In significant areas of the moorland, there's a high risk - it's a very unique challenge in this incident," he said.

Cooler wet weather was helping but deep-seated heat in the peat remained, which could cause smoke and further flare-ups, NYFRS said.

"We have to keep our responders safe - although it's a risky job, risks of this nature aren't palatable, and we won't accept them so won't have boots on the ground in areas of hot peat beds and unexploded ordnance," Mr Illsley said.

He explained that responders had worked closely with the Ministry of Defence and every time a device was discovered, it was taken away to be safely detonated.

Alongside an extended period of drought, this added to the "unique challenges" which made tackling the moor fire especially challenging, he said.

NYFRS said it was gradually moving towards a "more business-as-usual approach" but the major incident status would remain in place to allow for quick mobilisation of resources if needed.

The service also acknowledged the "hard work and contribution" of its firefighters and volunteers in continued efforts to contain the blaze.

Currently, an average of three fire engines are deployed at the scene with crews actively managing flare-ups.

A cause of the fire is still yet to be established, and the investigation is ongoing, the fire service said.

People are advised to follow all walking and cycling route diversions and avoid active response areas.

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