A FIRE WARNING has gone out to visitors to the North York Moors.

National park chiefs say the continuing dry weather means a growing risk and are calling on people to be particularly vigilant and to avoid sparking off a potentially devastating blaze.

The warning comes as some parts of the North York Moors National Park are still recovering from the recent flash floods. A huge fire in September 2003 devastated two-and-a-half square kilometres of Fylingdales Moor, and seriously stretched the resources of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Fire risk notices are being put up around the park.

Senior ranger Bernie McLinden said: "We want everyone to enjoy their visit to the North York Moors, but any major fire that does occur will be devastating to the landscape and its wildlife.

"We would urge everyone to help us reduce the fire risk and to report any fires so that services can act quickly should they need to."

The message is:

Do not light any fires or barbecues on or near the moorland area

Extinguish smoking materials carefully and take all litter, especially glass containers, home with you.

If you come across a fire dial 999 and inform the fire service immediately.

Philip Benham, general manager of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, said trains were running as normal. He said the dry conditions posed no risk at the moment but the situation was being monitored.

Updated: 11:13 Thursday, July 21, 2005