Investigation Concludes Campfire as Likely Cause of Fylingdales Moor Wildfire

The cause of last August's major fire on Fylingdales Moor is believed to be cooking using a naked flame, such as a campfire or gas burner.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has concluded an in-depth fire investigation into the Fylingdales Moor wildfire. 

Following extensive enquiries, including the taking of witness statements, the review of footage and videos, detailed inspection of the site and analysis of fire patterns, the cause of the fire is believed to be cooking using a naked flame, such as a campfire or gas burner. 

The fire service have identified where they believe the fire started last June.

Investigators found signs of human activity at the scene including discarded cans and food wrappers.

The fire was declared a major incident on 13 August due to its proximity to Critical National Infrastructure. At its peak on 25 August, it covered an area of up to 25km?. Firefighters worked for a prolonged period in extremely challenging conditions to bring the incident under control. 

The incident was particularly complex due to the location and nature of the site. The fire occurred in a very remote area of moorland with limited water supplies and difficult access for emergency resources. Prolonged hot, dry weather and strong winds also contributed to the scale and behaviour of the fire. 

The area had historically been used as a military training range, meaning unexploded ordnance was present. During the incident, around 20 ‘cook-offs’ occurred where ordinance detonated, triggered by temperatures exceeding 600 degrees. This required fire crews to adapt their tactics and work closely with partner agencies to ensure the safety of everyone involved.  

CFO Jonathan Dyson said:

“The Fylingdales Moor fire was one of the most complex multi-agency incidents the Service has ever attended. I would like to once again thank local communities, farmers, gamekeepers and our colleagues from other fire and rescue services for the vital support they gave us. 
 
“The fact that this fire is believed to have been started by cooking using a naked flame, such as a campfire or gas burner, is a stark reminder of how quickly wildfires can take hold, particularly in hot, dry and windy conditions. Moorland, forestry and rural environments are extremely vulnerable, and even small flames can have devastating consequences. I urge everyone who visits the countryside to follow safety advice to help prevent further wildfires and protect our landscapes, including respecting restrictions on camping and lighting barbecues/ campfires, taking litter home and carefully disposing of smoking materials.”

“In response to this incident, we are reviewing and strengthening our wildfire provision. This includes increasing the number of specialist wildfire teams, enhancing our equipment, vehicles and protective clothing, and putting formal agreements in place with partner organisations to support us during major incidents. We are also progressing work to improve our ability to deliver large volumes of water at wildfire incidents.” 

Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said:

“The wildfire on the Fylingdales Moors last year was an exceptionally complex and challenging incident. Once again I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved in the community response from the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service firefighters and volunteers, partner agencies, local businesses, farmers, landowners, and the wider community to the fire and rescue crews who travelled from across the country to support us. It was an extraordinary combined effort, tackling one of the largest wild fires ever in the United Kingdom over 25km2 of moorland; ten times the size of the Great Fire of London. 

Thank you also to the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service investigation team for their thorough and detailed report into the cause of the fire. This work provides vital insights and will be a vital tool in ensuring lessons are learned and that we improve work to prevent future incidents like this. 

As a result of the changing climate, our beautiful moorlands are unfortunately increasingly vulnerable to wildfires and it's vital we all do everything we can to learn lessons and focus on how to prevent future incidents like this."

Responding to the publication of the cause of the worst wildfire in North Yorkshire’s history, North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: 

“This was a devastating fire, and the broad environmental and economic impacts remain with us every day. However, the emotional scars may well be less obvious, and I want to reassure the residents and businesses of North Yorkshire that we stand with them at this difficult time. 

“The result of the very detailed fire investigation states that the cause of this major incident is believed to be cooking using a naked flame, such as a campfire or gas burner. 

“This milestone moment may trigger reflection and memories which may be difficult for the communities and businesses most impacted by what was without doubt a terrifying blaze. 

“If anyone needs support in dealing with these please get in touch with our Major Incident Response Team (MIRT). The team can provide confidential emotional and practical support from specially trained volunteers. They can be contacted anytime on 07974 745194 or by emailing MIRT@northyorks.gov.uk   

“As we all digest this information, I would also like to thank the very many fire crews, partners and council staff who supported the massive response effort with a broad range of practical and tactical help, as well as the people and businesses who fought the blaze with whatever they had. 

“We will continue to support the recovery via the council-chaired recovery coordination group and to support those impacted even now by what happened at the height of the tourist season in one of our most beautiful places.”