Firefighters tackling a large fire on Strensall Common have been praised for their response to the incident.
The huge blaze was brought under control in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday).
At its height, ten fire engines, a water bowser and an all-terrain vehicle were at the York nature reserve.
People were asked to avoid the area as crews battled the blaze. It sent plumes of thick clouds of smoke into the sky that could be seen from as far away as the Yorkshire Wolds.
By 10pm, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said the blaze was under control and the incident was being scaled down.
At 1am, it issued this update: “This incident has now scaled down to one fire engine which is remaining on scene throughout the night carrying out inspections at regular intervals.
“Crews are staying in contact with the emergency control room in the event of any escalation.”
Today, a fire crew remains at the scene looking out for potential flare ups and hotspots.
No cause has been established as yet.
Strensall councillor Tony Fisher said on social media last night: “Thankfully, the fire is now out., though a few patches are still smouldering and fire crews have been monitoring these.
“About 800m by 600m of the common is very badly damaged.
“Massive thanks to all those members of the emergency services who worked to control the fire and keep the damage to a minimum.”
York Outer MP Luke Charters also praised the crews. He said: “Strensall Common is a place I care about deeply. I often walk my dog Woody there, and like many local residents, I treasure it for its natural beauty and peace.
“I want to pay tribute to the outstanding Fire and Rescue personnel who, as always, are responding with courage, professionalism, and dedication.”
On its Facebook page, Malton Fire Station posted: “It’s been a real busy afternoon/ evening for fire crews across North Yorkshire.
“Our Wholetime Firefighters at Malton were mobilised to a large fire in the open at Strensall common at 4pm. This fire required ten fire engines to extinguish.
“Our on-call firefighters were sent to provide fire cover in York at 5.30pm, but were soon redirected to another fire in the open, in the Clifton area of York.
“Once this fire was extinguished, they then returned to standby duties in the York area, until 11.30pm.”