Wildfire warning as Yorkshire's fire severity index raised to 'exceptional'

The fire severity index from Natural England has put the risk of blazes across much of Yorkshire as exceptional, all the way from Ripon down to Rotherham and Dewsbury across to Hull.

The warning comes from the Country Land and Business Association with hot weather and little to no rain forecast to continue in the coming weeks.

This year is on course to have the most days above 25C in history, with a recent spate of wildfires cropping up across the country.

The CLA has said there is a particular risk on hillsides, moors and heathland.

Director north Harriet Ranson, said: "The school holidays are a fantastic time for families to get out and explore our beautiful countryside, but you must always respect the working landscape you are passing through and be aware of the potential risks of your surroundings.

“The dry, hot conditions make it extremely easy for a fire to start and spread quickly. Please lead by example and teach your children to respect the countryside as you would wish your home and garden to be respected.”

“Wildfires devastate farmland, wildlife and their habitats and also pose a risk to the lives of people living and working in rural communities.

“Reducing the risk of wildfires is key at this time of the year, and raising awareness is one way in which the risk can be reduced.

“Landowners and land managers are advised to be prepared for fires, where possible, and ensure that fire breaks are cut and well maintained, with any cut vegetation cleared from the site. Farmers are urged to consider having full water bowsers and disc harrows at the ready.”

Last year, the UK’s biggest wildfire burned for more than a month on Langdale Moor, in the North York Moors, and was declared a major incident.

The rescue effort of fire crews, farmers and gamekeepers was beset by explosions from World War Two munitions.

The blaze was eventually put out, but not before it had surged towards properties and businesses.

The fire started in a forestry block which was not actively managed and spread across unmanaged moorland.

CLA member George Winn-Darley, who owns and manages Spaunton Moor in the North York Moors, said: “Last year’s fire at Langdale was started by campers in a remote, secluded forested area with a peat substrate.

“All moorland in the North York Moors has areas of shallow peat.

“Once alight, a fire can smoulder underground, destroying the vital carbon store and dormant seeds.

“Fire burning in the peat layer requires huge quantities of water to extinguish, with at least 50 millimetres of rain needed to sufficiently dampen the peat to bring the fire under control.”

Mr Winn-Darley raised concerns about the growing and largely unlawful trend of wild camping.

“It seems utterly barking to me that anyone is allowed to use portable barbecues and gas stoves in semi-natural environments,” he added.

It comes as North Yorkshire Council launched its Don't Spark Disaster campaign in the North York Moors, informing the public that simple actions, such as disposing of cigarettes properly and not cooking on an open flame, can help to prevent wildfires.

Council leader Coun Carl Les said: “This campaign is vital to making sure that we do not see a repeat of the biggest wildfire we have ever witnessed in North Yorkshire.

“Our message is clear – please come and enjoy all that North Yorkshire has to offer but be aware that careless actions can cause a catastrophic impact on our communities and the natural environment.”