Fire crews have been dealing with a fire on Hob Moor in York.
It happened on the area of the moor behind the Lidl store on Thanet Road and an investigation into the cause is underway
Carol, who lives in St James Place, says she was in her garden when she heard someone claim to have started a fire. The next thing she saw was lots of smoke and flames.
“I was in the back garden and I just heard somebody shout, ‘Did you set that fire?’ someone else said, ‘No, I did’.
“Next thing I saw, smoke, so I just jumped up, grabbed my phone, dialled 999 asked for police and fire brigade, phoned the farmer and then told all the neighbours.
“It was quite scary because the the flames were really quite high. You can see how close it has come to our house. People were trying to put it out with buckets of water.”
Local Councillor Stephen Fenton said: “Thanks to North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service and North Yorkshire Police – York for their prompt action in bringing the Hob Moor fire under control and keeping people safe.
“Thanks also to the local residents who contacted the farmer so he could make sure that the cattle were kept safe.
“The extent of damage to the moor is significant. All the indications are that the fire was started deliberately, so the priority now is identifying those responsible so they can be held account for their actions.”
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said people should keep their doors and windows shut while they dealt with the fire.
North Yorkshire Police closed off a number of footpaths across Hob Moor to keep people away.
A North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said they were called out at 3.31pm.
“Crews from York and Acomb responded to multiple calls regarding a fire on Hob Moor in York,” they said.
“On arrival they requested a further appliance from Selby to assist. The fire measured approximately 200 x 300 metres in size and consisted of grassland.
“Crews used beaters, knapsack sprayers and hose reel jets to fight the fire. The incident is ongoing at this time.”
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said at 5pm: “Please avoid Hob Moor, particularly at the Thanet Road end, while emergency services deal with a fire
“We are working alongside our North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service colleagues to ensure everyone is safe.
“We’re grateful to members of the public who flagged down passing officers to report it, just after 3.45pm this afternoon.”
They said the fire is under control, and enquiries are ongoing into how it started.
If you have any information that could assist, please contact police via their website, or call us on 101, quoting reference NYP-19072026-0354.
“Deliberately starting fires is against the law, and even small fires can put lives, homes and communities at risk. It also diverts fire crews away from other incidents,” the police spokesperson said.
