A major new campaign aimed at reducing the risk of devastating wildfires in North Yorkshire has launched to raise awareness and encourage responsible behaviour in the countryside.

The ‘Don't Spark Disaster’ campaign is being delivered by the North York Moors National Park Authority in partnership with ourselves along with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Forestry England and North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service.

We funded the campaign, which is also being supported by our destination marketing and management service, Visit North Yorkshire.

The campaign comes as organisations continue to deal with the long-term impacts of last year’s devastating wildfire on Fylingdales Moor, which became the largest wildfire in the history of the North York Moors National Park.

Running throughout the summer months, Don't Spark Disaster will deliver clear and impactful messages to residents and visitors about the simple actions that can help prevent wildfires. Campaign activity includes targeted social media advertising, e-newsletters, outdoor advertising and digital communications across North Yorkshire and beyond.

Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “This campaign is vital to making sure that we do not see a repeat of the biggest wildfire we have ever witnessed in North Yorkshire.

“Our message is clear – please come and enjoy all that North Yorkshire has to offer but be aware that careless actions can cause a catastrophic impact on our communities and the natural environment.”

The campaign highlights how seemingly small actions – such as discarding cigarettes and leaving glass bottles behind, alongside behaviours such as lighting barbecues and campfires – can have devastating consequences for wildlife, landscapes, local communities and the emergency services.

However, visitors are still encouraged to get outdoors and make the most of all that North Yorkshire has to offer. There are plenty of tasty local picnic options that don't require on-site cooking, helping people to enjoy a safe day out while reducing the risk of wildfires.

As well as raising public awareness, the campaign is calling on businesses, community organisations and local groups to help spread the message by displaying campaign materials in their premises, on websites and across social media channels.

Tom Outing, Visitor Campaigns Manager for the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: “We urge everyone to think carefully about their actions when enjoying the countryside this summer.

“A moment's carelessness can have consequences that last for generations, but a few simple precautions can help prevent another devastating wildfire from happening in the first place.”