A large part of the North York Moors were damaged by fire in 2003

The moors are very dry and a blaze started by a camp fire at Bleaklow has already damaged 6,000 square metres.

Signs warning people to take extra care, especially about cigarette ends, are being put up.

"We're not asking people to stay away as long as they don't accidentally start a fire," said Jenny Waller, of the national park.

She said: "We just ask people to be responsible. Please don't stub cigarettes out in the peat or throw a lit cigarette end out of a car window.

"We are asking people not to light camp fires or leave any litter that it is likely to cause fires."

Moorland fires destroy vegetation that ground nesting birds rely on and make the peat beneath vulnerable to erosion.