Moorland fires can be dangerous and devastating to wildlife. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Another national park has warned of the risks of fire as the prolonged hot, dry weather continues.

Bosses at the Yorkshire Dales authority appealed to visitors to the area to be especially vigilant against the risk of moorland and grass fires.

It follows warnings from the Dartmoor authority and a huge wildfire on the western fringe of the Peak District where a major incident has been declared near Dove Stone Reservoir and where the moorland has been ablaze for three days.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said its rangers are putting up warning notices around its area, with warm, dry weather forecast to continue, and the risk of fires increasing.

Head of park management Alan Hulme said, in the dry conditions, moorland fires could spread very quickly and could be devastating to the landscape and its wildlife, and especially, at this time of year, to ground nesting birds.

“We obviously want people to come and enjoy the Yorkshire Dales,” he said, “but we would urge them to do what they can to help us prevent a fire from breaking out.

“Visitors should avoid lighting fires on or near the moorland and should not discard cigarettes, matches or glass bottles. And do not light any fires or barbecues on or near the moorland area.

“If you see a fire, report it immediately to the fire service by phoning 999 so that they can take appropriate action.”