Walkers warned ‘unexploded ordnance’ poses risk in North York Moors

Walkers on the North York Moors have been warned that historic military debris, including potential “unexploded ordnance”, has been exposed after a bushfire broke out on land once used as a tank training range in the Second World War.

The fire, which has been burning on Langdale Moor for more than a month after breaking out in August, has already caused more than 18 such devices to explode, according to the North York Moors National Park Authority.

On 12 August, a major incident was declared as the fire’s boundary measured approximately 20 square kilometers and RAF closed roads near Fylingdales. This was the largest wildfire the park had ever recorded, with the risk of explosion negatively impacting firefighters’ ability to fight the fire.

Public footpaths reopened in December, but authorities are warning ramblers to be careful as work continues to assess the area.

In particular, the public is advised to follow the roads and not touch metal objects.

A statement from the park said: “The intense heat of the fires detonated more than 20 explosives that had previously been lying dormant underground at Fylingdales Moor.

“There have been no further eruptions since being downgraded to major event status in September, but the loss of surface peat and vegetation has exposed more historic military debris.

“While most of these items are harmless, there is a significant risk that unexploded ordnance (UXO) may remain present.”

They added: “Disturbing the ground is extremely dangerous, please follow the path and be careful.”

Part of the moorland was the site of tank training maneuvers during the Second World War, and the summer explosions are believed to have been caused by unexploded bombs and shells.

In August, a man was reportedly left “shaken” after narrowly avoiding being hit by shrapnel when a bomb exploded 50 meters from where he was standing.

“There were pieces of metal and shrapnel flying about 100 meters into the air,” the site manager said. said Telegram In that case.

The Ministry of Defense said that the explosive ordnance disposal team sent to the area found “various pieces of unexploded ordnance from the World War II era” but described the finds as “inert practice rounds”; They said these were later removed for destruction.

The park authority asked the public to help preserve the “fragile, recovering landscape” by staying on the trails.

“Although Open Access has been restored, the moorland environment is badly damaged and extremely vulnerable. Large areas of bare peat and exposed archaeology are at greater risk of erosion, particularly in wet and winter conditions. To support recovery efforts, visitors are asked to: