Fire service issues safety plea after hosepipe ban

People are being urged to take extra care to avoid sparking a fire after a hosepipe ban came into force.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service issued the warning after months of extremely hot and dry weather prompted Yorkshire Water to impose restrictions.

A spokesperson said the dry conditions meant the chances of fires starting outdoors were much higher, but reassured residents the ban would not impact their ability to respond to emergencies.

"With the Yorkshire Water hosepipe ban now in place, we're all being asked to think a bit differently about how we use water and we'd also ask you to think about how you can help us by reducing fire risks too," they said.

"Every small fire has the potential to grow fast in hot, dry weather so let's work together to prevent them before they start."

They called on the public to take home litter, especially glass bottles and jars, avoid having bonfires and dispose of cigarettes properly.

People have also been advised to keep barbecues away from sheds, hedges and fences; and not use disposable barbecues in parks, open spaces or on dry grass.

The hosepipe ban came into force across the region on Friday, with water bosses saying they expect in to last until winter.

The restrictions mean more than five million householders have been barred from using hosepipes for activities such as watering the garden, washing the car or filling a paddling pool.