A MASSIVE wildfire has erupted near an RAF airbase as a major incident has been declared.
Crews have been battling the flames in the North York Moors National Park for two days after the service said the fire had spread this afternoon.
North Yorkshire Fire and RescueCrews were called to the moor after reports of billowing smoke in the area[/caption]
Bedale Fire StationNorth Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have declared that a fire in the North York Moors national park is a major incident[/caption]
North Yorkshire Fire and RescueAround 20 fire engines are currently at the scene as they try to tackle the raging fire[/caption]
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue were first called to Langdale Moor, close to the RAF Fylingdales, yesterday following reports of towering black smoke.
Fire soon erupted and the force have been battling the blaze ever since.
Around 20 fire engines are currently at the scene tackling the flames, which are now thought to cover around five kilometres of terrain.
Shocking footage shows billows of black smoke filling the air and flames lashing across stretches of grassland.
Residents have been urged to avoid the area and follow the fire service’s latest advice which can be found on their website.
Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, and deputy mayor for policing, fire and crime, Jo Coles said: “We are aware of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s declaration of a major incident for the fire at Langdale Moor and continue to monitor the situation.
“We encourage the public to avoid the area and follow the latest advice from the fire service, which can be found on their website.
“We want to thank the firefighters, emergency service workers and partner agencies for their response to this incident.”
Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Tornado steam train services will be delayed due to the hot weather and recent fires.
This affects the No. 60163 journeys on August 5, 16, and 17, North Yorkshire Moors Railway confirmed.
A spokesperson said: “Due to the prolonged hot weather and recent fires elsewhere in the county which have meant firefighting resources have been more stretched, we’ve taken the decision to delay the start of the special No. 60163 “Tornado” services set to run on 15th, 16th and 17th August.
“We are reviewing all current “Tornado” services and hope to have an update on the revised start date once temperatures have cooled down.
“In addition, we’ve switched all of our Pickering to Grosmont standard services to heritage diesel locomotives, and we still aim to run steam-hauled services between Grosmont and Whitby due to the lower fire risk profile.
“The NYMR is doing everything it can to fully cooperate with and support the emergency services, taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers and passengers, which is always our priority.”
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