Walkers warned to keep away from military training areas after near-miss on Army range
The MOD is warning the public to stay clear of dangerous training areas and firing ranges after what it says have been "numerous disruptions" to military exercises over the summer months.
The warning follows a series of incidents – including walkers straying into the danger area of a busy weapons range in North Yorkshire – which resulted in what has been described as "a near miss" and a potentially dangerous situation.
"Respect the Range", says the MOD, as it urges people to use the countryside with care and consideration.
While the obvious risk of entering a training area is injury, the MOD says incursions can also affect the operational capability of units.
In some cases, it says, critical exercises have been paused or even cancelled, impacting preparations for potential deployments.
Some areas of the defence estate are open to the public at certain times, with access restrictions clearly advertised, particularly when danger areas around live firing ranges are active.
A range danger area is where munitions are likely to fall during training by armed units.
"The military train 24/7 so they are ready to deploy on operations and disrupting this critical training has a real impact on their preparations and their ability to do their jobs effectively," said Lieutenant Colonel Mark Jenkins, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation's Regional Commander for the North of England.
“If we all work together to use these spaces with respect and consideration, the public will stay safe and our Armed Forces will be able to carry out their important training exercises."
The MOD says hazards on the training estate include live firing, unexploded ordnance, pyrotechnics, fast-moving military vehicles, aircraft and boats.
Wildfire risk
The MOD has also warned of the risk of wildfires, which have already prompted emergency responses near MOD sites this summer, including at Langdale Moor in the North Yorkshire Moors, close to RAF Fylingdales.
A North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "To help prevent wildfires this summer, we'd ask the public not to light fires or barbecues and to dispose of cigarettes and litter responsibly.
"If you encounter a wildfire, don't attempt to put it out yourself – call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service."
MOD advice for staying safe on the training estate
:: Observe all signs and information and follow instructions from MOD personnel.
:: Be aware that training can happen at any time, day or night.
:: Keep dogs under close control and pick up after them.
:: Never touch military debris – report it to the Ops Room via advertised phone numbers.
:: Do not light fires or use barbecues and dispose of cigarettes and litter responsibly.
:: If you encounter a wildfire, don't try to tackle it. Call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service.
Join Our Newsletter
