TINDERBOX conditions in the North York Moors National Park have led to officials putting up warning notices.
Staff say the recent hot weather has left the area at risk from barbecues and discarded cigarettes and a fire alert for the park has now been issued.
Bernie McLinden, head of park management, said: “Past episodes have shown that, under these tinderbox conditions, moorland fires can spread extremely quickly, causing significant damage to the landscape and its wildlife.
“Moorland fires at this time of year can be particularly devastating as birds are nesting on the ground.”
Visitors are asked to avoid lighting fires and barbecues and not to throw cigarettes, matches or glass bottles away.
Anybody who sees a fire on the moors is urged to dial 999 as quickly as possible.
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