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Jul 2020

Environment

Heatwave prompts safety warnings for Harrogate district

Published: 30 Jul 2020, 11:07 BST

Updated: 30 Jul 2020, 11:55 BST

by Vicky Carr

Authorities in North Yorkshire have issued warnings over open water swimming and barbecues on grass and moorland, as temperatures are set to reach 30 degrees over the coming days.

Firefighters have warned against using barbecues on grass and moorland

Authorities in North Yorkshire have issued warnings to people hoping to take advantage of the hot weather and easing of lockdown restrictions this weekend.

With temperatures forecast to rise beyond 30 degrees centigrade, concerns have been raised about safety as residents enjoy the good weather for the first time since coronavirus guidelines changed.

Yorkshire Water is urging people to plan to ensure they are safe when visiting its sites across the Harrogate district. Alastair Harvey, lead countryside and woodland advisor at Yorkshire Water, said:

“The warm weather this weekend is the perfect opportunity for people to get out and enjoy some of Yorkshire’s scenic beauty spots, including reservoirs and woodland.

“It is important those enjoying the summer weather ensure they are doing so safely and that they are not having a negative impact on the environment.

“In the warm weather reservoirs can seem appealing for a quick swim, but they pose a huge risk which could lead to loss of life. They are often colder than rivers and this can result in cold water shock that can lead to hyperventilation, increased blood pressure and breathing difficulties and ultimately death, so it is important people visiting reservoirs are not tempted to swim.

Mr Harvey also warned about the dangers of wildfires during hot weather:

“We have seen in recent months the danger of barbecues on open land with a number of wildfires. These can cause a danger to life, as well as devastating local ecosystems by damaging peat soils and impacting valuable habitat and wildlife such as birds, reptiles and insects.

“We would encourage anyone visiting Yorkshire’s beauty spots to respect their surroundings and take measures to protect themselves and the environment by not lighting fires or barbecues, taking their litter home, respecting residents and local communities, parking considerately and following the Countryside Code at all times.”

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North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service echoed his comments about disposable barbecues, urging people to use them safely at home, away from sheds, trees and hedges. The fire service also asked people not to take barbecues out onto grassland or moors and to dispose of cigarettes and litter safely. A spokesman added:

"Open water may look like a tempting place to cool off, but it can be full of hidden dangers including vegetation and objects you can get tangled up in."

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Heatwave prompts safety warnings for Harrogate district

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