New road signs in North Yorkshire aim to prevent wildfires
Don't Spark Disaster campaign targets safety in countryside
New roadside signs have been unveiled across North Yorkshire to alert visitors to the heightened risk of wildfires, especially related to campfires and disposable barbecues.
These signs will be stationed along key routes throughout summer as part of the Don't Spark Disaster campaign, promoting critical actions to prevent fires in rural areas.
The initiative follows reports of fires in wooded and moorland areas causing severe risks to the environment, wildlife, local communities, and responders.
Preventive Measures
North Yorkshire Council's leader, Cllr Carl Les, emphasised the importance of these warnings: “North Yorkshire is home to some of the country's most beautiful and treasured landscapes, and we want everyone to enjoy them safely."
Signs are designed to remind visitors that open flames have no place in such settings, given the destructive potential evidenced by last summer's wildfire at Fylingdales Moor.
The fire, believed to have originated from cooking with an open flame, devastated 20 square kilometres, emphasising the need for precaution.
Raising Awareness
Joel Brookfield from the North York Moors National Park Authority noted the role of human actions in igniting wildfires: “These highly visible signs will raise awareness of wildfire dangers and how everyone can reduce the risk.”
The Don't Spark Disaster campaign highlights the dangers of activities like discarding cigarettes or leaving glass bottles, which can trigger wildfires across landscapes.
Collaborative Support
The campaign is supported by North Yorkshire Council, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Forestry England, and North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service.
Derek Twine, chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, underscored individual responsibility in disaster prevention: “By installing these signs at key locations around the Dales, we are reinforcing a simple but vital message - don't spark disaster.”
Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the outdoors responsibly by engaging in picnic activities that don't require on-site cooking, ensuring safety and preserving natural beauty.
Further details on the campaign can be found at northyorkmoors.org.uk/dontsparkdisaster.