North York Moors 'tinderbox conditions' prompt fire alert

Officials have put up signs warning visitors of fire risks at North York Moors National Park

Park chiefs have issued a fire alert for the North York Moors National Park after the recent heatwave led to "tinderbox conditions".

North York Moors National Park Authority is urging visitors to extra vigilant because of the increased risk of moorland and forest fires.

It has called on tourists to avoid lighting fires and BBQs and not to discard cigarettes or glass bottles.

Park boss Bernie McLinden said park rangers had put up fire risk notices.

"Past episodes have shown that under these tinderbox conditions, moorland fires can spread extremely quickly causing significant damage to the landscape and its wildlife," he said.

"The majority of moorland fires can be prevented so we would urge people to take extra care when visiting the National Park while the fire risk signs are in place."