PERFORMERS acting out a terrifying witch burning at a York tourist attraction found themselves having to tackle a real fire and evacuate visitors.

York Dungeon in Clifford Street was closed for nearly an hour at noon today after a smoke generator, used to create a spooky atmosphere at the witch burning attraction, caught fire.

Mark Oakley, spokesman for the popular museum, said: “A group of visitors had just exited the witch burning attraction but before the next group came in, a performer smelt burning and she fetched the other performers and by the time they arrived there was real flames.”

Luckily the fire was easily brought under control before the arrival of emergency services.

Mr Oakley said: “Daniel Wilmot, a performer, managed to put out the fire with the power of his own breath.”

About 80 people, including a party of schoolchildren, were evacuated. The Dungeon re-opened shortly before 1pm.