Anthony Hill, of Old Yevering, in the Northumberland National Park, said the location was too remote for fire appliances to attend.

He says the blaze may have been caused by a discarded cigarette or match.

He fears a similar incident could occur when walkers are using the area.

He said farm workers used a tractor to fight the flames, which were discovered in the early hours of Monday.

Mr Hill said: "The remote location meant that the fire brigade wasn't called.

"Conditions here are tinder dry at the moment."

He said about 200-acres of heather moorland was destroyed in the incident.

Mr Hill added: "It hasn't rained here for six or seven weeks, and conditions are very dry."