FIREFIGHTERS with ten fire engines and a water bowser fought throughout the night to contain a large fire at a York nature reserve.

Wednesday, 21 May 2025 14:10

By Haydn Lewis

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service say that at its height they had ten fire engines, a water bowser and an all terrain vehicle at the Strensall Common blaze which started at about 3.30pm at the site on the outskirts of the city on Tuesday (May 20).

A fire service spokesman said that as of 9.15am on Wednesday (May 21) a crew remains on the site keeping a watching brief to look out for flare ups or hotspots.

A service spokesman said: “Crews have been working in sectors to extinguish the fire.

“As of 1am on Wednesday the fire was believed to be under control and the incident has been scaled down to one fire engine which has remained on the 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.”

Strensall Common covers a large area with two distinct sections - the Yorkshire Wildlife nature reserve run by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the area used by the military for training and shooting.

At the height of the fire plumes of smoke from the fire were visible from Sutton Bank in the North York Moors National Park, more than 20 miles away.

A service spokesman said a cause has yet to be established.

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