It’s understood a fire in a South Milford field was started deliberately.
North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information following a fire involving several hay bales in fields close to Milford Road at around 6pm yesterday (July 31).
Firefighters were called in after it had spread to 15 acres of field.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service says its crews from Tadcaster, Acomb, Selby, and a West Yorkshire crew from Pontefract were called.
“Following information obtained during enquiries and an assessment of the scene, it is the professional opinion of investigating officers that the fire was started deliberately.
“Thankfully, with the swift assistance of the landowners and crews from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, the fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished, preventing further damage and reducing the risk of the fire spreading to surrounding land.
“Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in incidents of this nature recently. Deliberately setting fire to hay bales not only causes significant financial loss to farmers but also presents a serious risk to life, property, livestock, and the wider countryside, particularly during periods of warm and dry weather,” said a spokesperson for the force.
If you were in the area and witnessed any suspicious activity, have footage, or have any information which may assist our investigation or help police identity those responsible, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.