Portable Barbecue Caused Wykeham Forest Fire, Forestry England Reports
UKPulse News Desk
A portable barbecue was identified by Forestry England as the cause of a forest fire in Wykeham Forest, North York Moors National Park, over the weekend.
- A fire broke out in Wykeham Forest on Sunday, prompting a response from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
- The blaze, reported by a cyclist, spread across an area of approximately 20m x 20m.
- Forestry England stated that the risk of fire remains high, despite recent rain, and prohibits barbecues and fires of any type.
A portable barbecue caused a forest fire in Wykeham Forest, near Scarborough, over the weekend, according to Forestry England. The blaze, which occurred on Sunday in the North York Moors National Park, prompted a significant response from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The fire, reported by a passing cyclist at approximately 11:40 BST, spread over an area of trees, bushes, and undergrowth measuring about 20m x 20m. Five fire engines and specialist equipment were dispatched to the scene, with crews from multiple locations attending.
Andy Widdowson, Forestry England's head of recreation, stated that the incident serves as a warning to visitors. He emphasised that the fire risk level in their forests remains high, despite overnight rain, and cautioned, "There must be no BBQs or fires of any type."
Why this matters: The incident highlights the ongoing risk of fires in forests, even after rain, and the potential impact on communities, landowners, and emergency services.
What this means for you: Visitors to Forestry England's forests are reminded that barbecues and fires of any type are prohibited due to the high risk of fire.