With temperatures set to reach 27ºC this week and the land ‘tinder dry’, North Yorkshire Moors Railway is cutting its services to reduce the risk of starting fires.
This primarily affects the Moors Explorer services.
Director of corporate services Laura Strangeway said: “Due to the tinder-dry conditions we are experiencing, we have made the difficult decision to reduce our planned timetable from this weekend.
“It has been particularly dry since Easter and with the dry weather set to continue, we have made the decision to supplement our steam locomotive fleet with diesel engines assisting our trains to minimise the risk of further fires.
“The ground is particularly dry and would require continual rain over several days to make a substantial difference, and currently there is no sign of rain forecasted.
“We are committed to working with our local stakeholders including North York Moors National Park, game keepers and North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service & Wildfire Group to minimise risk and add additional mitigations.”
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Passengers already booked on a Moors Explorer service will receive an email advising them of their options.
Passengers planning to utilise the Moors Explorer service will not be able to transfer with current restrictions. For further information please visit the website or email [email protected]
Laura added: “Like most registered charities, we have had to navigate through the Covid-19 pandemic and we are now facing environmental challenges with rising temperatures and increased fuel/coal prices and restrictions.
“As the busiest heritage railway in the UK, we encourage the public to support the sector by either donating or travelling along the historic line to ensure all communities can enjoy the golden age of steam.”
You can support the registered charity here.