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walkers in north york moors have been warned that historic military debris, including potentially “unexploded ordnance” has been exposed after wildfire Land that was once used as a World War II tank training ground.
The Langdale Moor fire, which has been burning for more than a month since it broke out in August, has caused more than 18 such devices to explode, according to the North York Moors National Park Authority.
A major incident was declared on 12 August, with the fire covering approximately 20 square kilometres, resulting in road closures near RAF Fylingdales. It was the largest wildfire on record in the park, and the risk of explosion hampered firefighters’ ability to extinguish the blaze.
Public footpaths reopened in December, but officials warned ramblers to remain vigilant as work continues to assess the area.
The public is specifically advised to stay on the trails and not touch any metal objects.
“The intense heat of the wildfire detonated more than 20 previously buried explosive devices in the Feriendales Wilderness,” the park said in a statement.
“No further explosions have occurred since major incident status was lifted in September, however the loss of surface peat and vegetation has exposed more historic military ruins.
“While most of these items are harmless, the serious risk of unexploded ordnance (UXO) remains.”
They added: “It is extremely dangerous to disturb the ground, please stay on the road and be alert.”
Part of the swamp was the site of tank training exercises during World War II, and unexploded bombs and artillery shells are believed to have been the devices responsible for the summer explosions.
In August, a man was reportedly left “shocked” after narrowly missing being hit by shrapnel when a bomb exploded 50 meters from where he was standing.
“Metal and shrapnel fragments flew about 100 meters into the air,” property manager Tell telegraph then.
The Ministry of Defense said explosive ordnance disposal teams sent to the scene found “a variety of unexploded ordnance from the Second World War” but described the finds as “inert practice rounds” which they said had been removed for subsequent disposal.
The Park Service is asking the public to stay on sidewalks and help protect “fragile, recovering landscapes.”
“While open access has been restored, the moorland environment is severely damaged and extremely fragile. Large areas of exposed peat and exposed archaeological sites are at immediate risk of further erosion, particularly in wet, winter conditions. To support restoration efforts, visitors are asked to:
- Follow the most obvious and clearly defined path
- Avoid creating new routes or widening existing routes
- Keep dogs leashed or tightly controlled
- Do not move stones, artifacts, or other natural materials. ”