Chief Fire Officer: "It's Exceptional" No Lives Or Property Lost In Langdale Moor Fire

North Yorkshire's Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Dyson says the fire remains contained, but road closures are still in place between Scarborough & Whitby.

On Sunday there were flare-ups, but all within the contained area:

Numerous flares ups have occurred throughout the day, including May Beck. All of these have been within the contained boundary and have been dealt with through normal firefighting tactics. These flare ups will continue for some time as the peat continues to burn under the surface, creating surface hotspots. These will look more dramatic at night.  

In the latest press briefing, Jonathan Dyson said it's remarkable no property or lives have been lost:

 I think it's exceptional that we have lost no property. There's been no loss of life, and there's been no injuries to any of our staff within this time. And I think that's credibility to our crews and everybody that's been working in this to keep the our staff safe and again, mitigate the impact on the public.

He also said they were overwhelmed by donations from the public but were now at saturation point:

 We have had absolutely tremendous support from the public in donations. The fire and rescue service is not able to accept cash donations or donations into the authority itself. If people wish to make donations, then please send these across into the firefighters charity. And again, we have now got an absolute abundance of cakes and supplies and drinks from everybody, which has been wonderful and the crews really appreciate it. But it's at saturation point. So once again, thank you for that. But we can no longer accept any further donations. 

Although the fire is contained, he confirmed there are still plans in place should the situation change:

 I have still asked for evacuation procedures to be drawn up, but these are now in a remote aspect and not expected to be deployed in any way. Of course we will continue to monitor that. Should we have to evacuate anybody? Please be rest assured that you would be informed well in advance. You would be supported throughout the evacuation and also any period where you are out of your home. But once again, the area is safe. We have put an appropriate cord in place and we have no plans to instigate any of those procedures.

I do want to raise that I do understand the impact that this incident has had on the public and on the businesses and those visiting who live or work within North Yorkshire, that isn't lost on myself or any of the the Fire Rescue Service at all, and we appreciate the support that we've been shown in there.

This morning, North Yorkshire Council posted an update on the latest road closures, however all roads are set to reopen from 18:30 this evening, although there will be a 30mph speed limit in places to keep everyone safe:

• A171 Robin Hoods Bay turn to Cloughton - (C219 Sledgates to C77 Newlands Road)
• A171 Summerfield Lane to Fern Farm, Hawsker (Junction B1447 to Junction C226 Back Lane, Hawsker)
• B1416 Sneatonthorpe (Dean Hall Brow to A171)
• C78 Public House to Ruskin Lodge, Harwood Dale
• C206 Gowland Lane, Cloughton
• C224 Moorgate, Littlebeck (A169 to U2335 Lousy Hill Lane)
• U2335 Lousy Hill Lane, Littlebeck
• U2346 Raikes Lane, Sneatonthorpe
• U2349 Road from High Normanby to Whitby to Scarborough Road, Hign Normanby
• C78 Gainforth Wath Road, Staintondale
• C85 Bridge Home Lane to Evan Howe Pond, Fylingthorpe
• C219 Sled Gates to Latter Gate Hills, Fylingthorpe
• U2413 Stoupe Brow to Stoup Bank Farm, Fylingdales Moor, Junction on to Cinder Track only
• C85 Bridge Home Lane to Low Farm, Fylingthorpe, Junction on to Cinder Track only
• C70 Helworth Road, Harwood Dale (Juntion A171 Helworth Road to Gowland Lane)
• C225 Stainsacre Lane, Stainsacre (Junction A171 Stainsacre Lane, Whitby)
• C225 Sneanton Thorpe Lane, Sneatonthorpe (Junction U2346 Raikes Lane, Sneatonthorpe)
• C226 Back Lane, Hawsker (Junction A171 Summerfield Lane to Fern Farm)
• U2339 Summerfield Lane, Stainsacre (Junction A171 Stainsacre Lane, Whitby)
• U2343 Hall Farm Road, Hawsker (Junction A171 Summerfield Lane to Fern Farm)
• U2343 Mill Lane, Hawsker (Junction A171 Summerfield Lane to Fern Farm)

Smoke is currently drifting towards Whitby:

We are aware that there may be more smoke in and around Whitby due to the wildfire. If you are affected by smoke, please keep your doors and windows closed. For further advice, visit: www.northyorks.gov.uk/wildfire

We have regular updates on the fire and travel situation on air throughout the day.