North Yorkshire Moors Railway suspends steam services after fires

North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has announced it will operate its historic diesel fleet along the route until weather conditions change.

Five firefighters battled a road fire started by a passing train in Eller Beck yesterday morning.

A spokesman for the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had spread to open moorland and covered about 40,000 square metres.

They said crews had worked with game wardens to contain trouble spots and the surrounding area before turning the incident over to local game wardens and North Yorkshire Moors Railway staff.

NYMR CEO Chris Price confirmed that the heritage railroad’s services were affected by the fire.

The NYMRA has decided to suspend its steam trains until weather conditions change (Image: Charlotte Graham)

These included Pickering’s 12 noon service, which returned to the station and formed a Pickering-Levisham shuttle; the 12.35pm service from Whitby, terminating in Grosmont; and the Moorlander, which ran a revised route from Grosmont to Goathland.

“We apologize to the passengers affected. The safety of staff and passengers is always our priority,” he said.

“We would like to thank the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for all their support.”

After the fire, Mr Price announced that the heritage railway would use its diesel fleet instead, which would result in changes to planned timetables.

He said: “Due to the side fire at the track (Thursday 25 May) we can confirm that we will be operating our historic diesel fleet along the historic track until weather conditions change.

“As a result, there will be changes to our planned schedule. Please check that website before the visit.”

Chris Price, NYMR CEO (Image: Charlotte Graham)

This was the second side fire within a week, with firefighters also on site at the Ellerbeck Bridge last Thursday (May 18).

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services said sparks from a passing steam train are believed to have been the cause of last week’s fire.

The fire was extinguished by firefighters with the help of North Yorkshire Moors Railway staff.

The fire damaged an area of ​​around 44,000 square meters.