The rain over the weekend has helped firefighters tackle the Langdale Moor fire. In their latest update North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue says there are still issue with “flare ups” but they are all within the boundary of the contained area.
With changes in weather, including more rain to come, smoke will linger at low levels. This means you may notice more of it at times.
They add that if you are affected by this smoke, please keep your doors and windows shut and continue to follow the advice available on North Yorkshire Council’s website.
“Please check on vulnerable neighbours too.” A spokesperson added.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue issued a further statement this evening (Sunday31 August)
“The temperatures have warmed during the afternoon and there has been an increase in wind speeds. We have had 12 crews on site.
“Numerous flares ups have occurred throughout the day, including May Beck. All of these have been within the contained boundary and have been dealt with through normal firefighting tactics.
“These flare ups will continue for some time as the peat continues to burn under the surface, creating surface hotspots. These will look more dramatic at night.”
This video, by Max Downing, shows crews from London heading up the A169 at Malton on their way to help fight the fire.
A number of road closures remain, including part of the A171 Scarborough to Whitby road.
They are there for the safety of you and the emergency services. Therefore, do not drive round them.
There is also some impact on the Coast 2 Coast walk and you can find out more on the North Yorks Moors National Park website.
Some bus routes in the area may be affected, you should check the bus company’s website for the latest information.
Advice if you are worried about smoke
Watch as Dr Victoria Turner, the public health consultant for North Yorkshire Council, gives advice around health during the wildfire.
- While causing short-term, poor air quality, exposure to smoke from large-scale wildfires is unlikely to contribute to any long-term health effects. In general, exposure to smoke is more likely to affect people who have existing breathing problems, lung or heart conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic pulmonary disease or heart disease. The very young and very old, smokers and people with flu or flu-like illnesses may also be at greater risk after exposure to smoke from fires
- Smoke can irritate air passages, skin and eyes, resulting in coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain. Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should carry any necessary medication or inhalers with them at all times and seek medical advice if their symptoms worsen, by contacting their GP or NHS 111
- Anyone experiencing discomfort, such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat, should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors
National resources, regional mutual aid and a multi-agency response is in place due to the scale of this ongoing incident. National funding has been approved by the government to help support the fire service in this very significant operation.
See the latest update from the fire service on their live blog on the North Yorkshire Fire website.
Watch as Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Dyson talks through the latest situation with the wildfire.
