Unexploded ordnance warning as moor paths reopen
BBCRamblers have been warned about unexploded ordnance as public rights of way reopened months after the Langdale Moor fire.
The North York Moors National Park Authority (NYMNPA) said there remained a risk of uncovered unexploded ordnance after the blaze, which lasted more than a month, exposed "historic military debris".
Public rights of way across the moor reopened at the beginning of December but the authority urged people to remain vigilant.
A spokesperson said: "While most items are harmless, there is still a risk that unexploded ordnance remains present. Disturbing the ground is dangerous, please keep to the path and remain vigilant."
In August, a major incident was declared when a fire broke out on Langdale Moor, near RAF Fylingdales. At its height the blaze covered 10 sq miles (25 sq km).
Part of the site had been used as a tank training ground during the Second World War and there were more than 18 explosions as the fire burned.
RAF Fylingdales, on the North Yorkshire coast in Pickering, provides a continuous ballistic missile early warning service to the UK and US Governments.
Approximately 320 service personnel, Ministry of Defence Police and civilian staff work at the site, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
At a meeting of NYMNPA in December, the authority said the effects of the wildfire "continue to have a significant impact on our workload and priorities".
A report said: "A major limiting factor in progressing restoration plans and reinstating public access has been the risks associated with unexploded ordnance on the site.
"In mid-November, however, NPA officers were able to support an MoD visit to the site, which has concluded that, with appropriate signage, the risks appear no greater than previously across the site area.
"As a result, open access restrictions and rights of way closures were lifted on December 4."
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