Warning after portable BBQ starts forest fire

A portable barbecue caused a forest fire in the North York Moors National Park over the weekend, Forestry England has said.

A blaze broke out in Wykeham Forest, near Scarborough, on Sunday and prompted a major response from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Forestry England, who manage Wykeham Forest, said the incident should serve as a warning to all visitors, adding the risk of fire remained high.

"There must be no BBQs or fires of any type," said Andy Widdowson, Forestry England's head of recreation.

Five fire engines, as well as specialist equipment, were sent to the scene after the fire was reported by a passing cyclist at about 11:40BST.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire spread over an area covered in trees, bushes and undergrowth, measuring about 20m x 20m (65ft x 65ft).

Crews from Scarborough, Robin Hood's Bay, Sherburn, Pickering, Filey, Tadcaster, Kirkbymoorside and Thirsk attended the incident.

Mr Widdowson said the fire and rescue service had responded promptly, bringing the blaze under control.

But he warned the overnight rain had not reduced the fire risk level in Forestry England's forests, which remained "high".

"There must be no BBQs or fires of any type," he cautioned.

"They pose a very high risk to our communities, landowners, residents, businesses, ecology and the emergency services," he said.

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