'We're raising money for farmers fighting wildfire'

A family thank a farmer delivering water to fight the Langdale Moor fire

A fundraiser to support firefighters, farmers and gamekeepers battling a moorland blaze for the 17th consecutive day has raised more than £20,000.

Amy Cockrem set up a Justgiving page initially hoping to raise £100 to buy food and drink for those fighting the wildfire in the North York Moors National Park, but has been "overwhelmed" by donations.

"I can't thank everyone enough. At the minute, the firefighters have enough food and drink, so we're concentrating on supplying fuel for the farmers' tractors," she said.

"We need it pushing even further. We're going to need a lot more just to help these farmers out. We've spent about £3,000 on fuel already just in 24 hours, so it's soon going to go."

A helicopter drops water onto the flames

Crews from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (NYFRS) have been tackling the fire, which covers about 10 sq miles (25 sq km), on Langdale Moor, between Whitby and Scarborough, since 11 August.

On Wednesday the service announced crews had been hampered by exploding World War Two bombs and shells as part of the site had been a tank training range in the 1940s.

According to NYFRS, 10 appliances and a helicopter remain on the moors, with support from fire services around the country beginning to arrive to allow local crews to take a rest.

Local farmers and gamekeepers have offered their help to perform tasks such as clearing fire breaks and hauling tankers of water to the scene by tractor.

The cause of the blaze remains unknown, an NYFRS spokesperson said.

Amy Cockrem set up the Justgiving page to raise money for firefighters

Ms Cockrem, from the village of Egton, said she had been to the moor on Thursday and was "amazed" by the efforts of local famers who were working around the clock.

She said: "You can't stop thinking about the people who are out there fighting this fire, like the firefighters and the farmers. Some of the farmers are working 24/7 and not even getting a break.

"For them to do that off their own back, just amazes me. I'm from a farming background and it's just incredible how the community has come together."

She thanked the public for their donations after more than £20,000 was raised in less than 48 hours.

She said: "I can't quite believe it. I was awake during the night watching the page go up and up, and I was overwhelmed. I can't thank everyone enough."

The owners of a caravan are helped to evacuate as flames move closer

Cara Shardlow, who lives in Sneatonthorpe near Whitby, said her family had been put on standby for evacuation from their farm as her family continued to support the effort to bring the blaze under control.

"My dad's out there driving a tractor and a tanker, my brother's out there, my uncle has been out all night, plus the Danby fire crew are up on that bit of moor and I went up and took them food.

"They are literally just putting their lives on the line. I've heard some awful stories about what farmers have been doing. It's quite scary."

Graham Smith, who runs a business renting out holiday cottages in Fylingdales, said he had been forced to close because of the blaze.

"It's our peak time of the year," he said.

"It's hard times - we are just struggling."

Chief fire officer Mr Dyson said it had been a "truly community engaged effort" so far.

"We've utilised and received great support from our local farming community."

A number of people had been evacuated from "some small areas" and strategies were in place if further evacuations were needed in areas with larger populations, the officer said.

He also reminded people there were a number of road closures, external in the area including the A171 at Fylingthorpe, which is the main road between Scarborough and Whitby,

Despite the problems, the Mr Dyson said the service had "absolute confidence" they would bring the incident to a successful conclusion.

A driver stops as flames lick vegetation at the side of the road

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