Firefighters tackling blaze at nature reserve

Fire crews are tackling a blaze which has broken out at a nature reserve on the outskirts of York.

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said it was called to the blaze at Strensall Common about 15:30 BST.

The service said 10 crews were "working hard to try and prevent the fire spreading further".

A spokesperson said firefighters were likely to be at scene for some time and asked people to avoid the area.

People have been asked to avoid the Strensall Common area due to the fire

Pictures taken near to the blaze show large plumes of smoke rising above the trees.

Strensall Common is a nature reserve about six miles (10km) from York city centre and is the only place in England where the rare dark-bordered beauty moth can be found.

Luke Charters, MP for York Outer, said: "Strensall Common is a place I care about deeply.

"Like many local residents, I treasure it for its natural beauty and peace."

He continued: "I'm deeply saddened by this incident and I hope the fire can be brought under control as soon as possible."

The MP paid tribute to the "outstanding" firefighters who responded with "courage, professionalism and dedication".

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