Steam traction engine blamed for roadside grass fires

A steam traction engine is believed to be responsible for a number of roadside grass fires which occurred this morning.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service received a call at around 10.15am to reports of a traction engine setting fire to grass verges.

The vehicle travelled up the A19 from Thornaby toward Thirsk and then along the A168 from Thirsk to Northallerton.

Fire crews from Northallerton, Thirsk and Boroughbridge attended and put out numerous seats of fire.

Crews use hose reel jets and beaters to put out the fires.

The cause is believed to be hot coals from the traction engine being spat/thrown out on to the grass.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it received 29 repeat calls about this incident.