No cause yet known for North York Moors blaze - visitors urged to stay away
SMOKE from the North York Moors fire is still being smelt as far away as York and Tadcaster as fire crews continue at the scene.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed today that no cause for the blaze has yet been established.
Firefighters have been battling a blaze at Langdale Moor, close to the RAF Fylingdales early warning station, since Monday, with crews from York, Tadcaster, Helsmley and Easingwold among the response units.
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At its height, 20 pumps were at the scene and a helicopter was used to try to control the blaze, as the fire service declared it a major incident.
The service is today urging people not to go to Langdale Moor and Langdale Forest where crews are still working following reports of people visiting the area to take photos of the devastation.
The rest of the North York Moors National Park and Dalby Forest remain open, said a spokesman.
He added: 'We remain at the scene of the fire at Langdale Moor. Crews continue to work to damp down and are being supported by partner agencies with putting fire breaks in. A helicopter is in use again today to drop water.
'Smoke may still be smelt as far away as York and Tadcaster. Our advice remains to keep doors and windows shut if you're affected by smoke. No cause for the fire has been established at this time.'
This aerial photo taken by Nick James on Saturday 16 August shows the haze of the smoke lingering over York.
The blaze covered an area of more than two square miles at its height. This included an area which is on an old range and an Army explosive ordnance disposal team was called to the scene because of munitions in the area.
The fire service said earlier this week: 'We have precautions in place for our crews at the scene, but people may hear explosions.'
Firefighters have thanked people for their donations of water, other drinks and snacks which have been delivered to their base in the village of Goathland.
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