On 12 August 2025 the Langdale Forest and Fylingdales Moor wildfire was declared a major incident and became the biggest wildfire in the history of the North York Moors National Park.

It was only a matter of time.

Each year, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service receives a large volume of call-outs regarding fires across the national park. Some are quickly containable, while others take days to put out. Usually at great cost, not just financially but to nature and wildlife, archaeology, farming and public enjoyment in the area.

We don’t want it to happen again. And you can play a part.

North York Moors National Park have launched their Don’t Spark Disaster campaign to prevent future wildfires in our county.

Did you know that a small action or tiny object can be a cause of fire? These include: 

• a discarded cigarette or match anywhere, including from car windows along any road, which can cause a tiny spark that leads to an uncontrollable blaze
• glass bottles or reflective litter can magnify sunlight, which will ignite dry vegetation through them
• barbeques, disposable or gas and campfires can wreak havoc in surprising ways

Find out more about the Fylingdales Moor fire recovery and ongoing work here.