A NATIONAL park has issued a fire alert due to tinderbox conditions.

Staff from the North York Moors National Park Authority said continuing dry weather has led to fire risk warning signs being installed at key sites this week advising people how they can help to reduce the risk on moorland and in forests.

A lack of rain coupled with very dry ground vegetation such as heather and bracken, has prompted the decision by the authority to put the 1,436sq km protected area on fire alert.

Although rain is forecast, it may not be enough to make a difference to conditions on the moors.

As the controlled heather burning period for gamekeepers has now ended, any fire spotted will be a wild fire and should be reported.

The signs will remain in place until the fire risk passes.

Bernie McLinden, the authority’s senior ranger, 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.

"The message we want to give to people is please do come and enjoy the North York Moors but, as the majority of moorland fires can be prevented, please take extra care while the fire risk signs are in place.”

Anyone who spots a fire should alert North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service by calling 999.