MP Calls for Better National Support Following RAF Fylingdales Wildfire Threat

Automatic national resilience measures must be activated whenever critical military infrastructure faces threats like wildfires, the Member of Parliament for Scarborough and Whitby has warned following a visit to RAF Fylingdales.

Automatic national resilience measures must be activated whenever critical military infrastructure faces threats like wildfires.

Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume issued the warning following a visit to RAF Fylingdales, where she reviewed how the strategic defence asset coped during last summer's devastating moorland flames.

The distinctive pyramid-shaped Solid State Phased Array Radar System on Snod Hill provides continuous 360-degree coverage across the North York Moors. It gives the UK and US governments early warning of potential ballistic missile attacks, tracks thousands of objects in space, and supports the UK's Satellite Warning Service.

During the visit, the MP met with Commanding Officer Wing Commander Toby Steward, service personnel, and representatives from the fire crews who protected the Ministry of Defence site. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service worked alongside civilian experts when the blaze swept across the neighbouring moorland, threatening the station.

Alison Hume said:

"It was important to learn more about the response to last year's fire and to thank those who helped protect the site during an incredibly challenging period. When the flames came close, the focus was understandably on safeguarding critical infrastructure. Behind that infrastructure, though, are people carrying out a mission of national importance, who could not simply walk away because of the role they perform in keeping our country safe. The professionalism, courage and teamwork shown by everyone involved, from RAF personnel to the firefighters, local first responders and emergency services who protected the site, was truly outstanding."

The facility operates under the motto 'Vigilamus', which translates to 'We are watching'. It works closely with international partners as part of global missile warning and space-tracking networks. Information gathered at the site is shared between the UK and US under longstanding intelligence-sharing arrangements, contributing to wider allied security operations.

Advanced radar technology at the station tracks objects thousands of miles away, playing a crucial role in monitoring activity both within the Earth's atmosphere and in space.

Beyond its strategic defence role, Wing Commander Steward emphasised that the station serves as an integral part of the local community. This connection extends to the RAF Fylingdales Family Hub in Whitby, led by Flight Sergeant Keith Burt MBE. The hub provides essential support to serving personnel, civilian staff, and their families across the coastal area.

Alison Hume said:

"RAF Fylingdales performs an extraordinary role in helping to keep the UK, our allies and our servicemen and women safe. It was fascinating to learn more about the station's work, from missile warning and space surveillance to protecting our national security in ways that many people never see. What struck me most was that RAF Fylingdales is not simply a piece of critical national infrastructure. It is a community of highly skilled, dedicated people whose expertise is vital to our defence every single day."

The strong local ties built by the station and its personnel across the constituency are highly valued by residents, highlighting the human element behind the high-tech surveillance operations.

Alison Hume said:

"I was moved to hear how strongly Wing Commander Steward and his team view RAF Fylingdales as part of our local community. That commitment is clearly reflected in the work of the Family Hub in Whitby, and in the close relationships the station has built across the constituency. Our local community is proud of the work the people at RAF Fylingdales perform to keep us safe and the sacrifices they make on our behalf."

Following the visit, the MP reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring military installations receive immediate, coordinated support during environmental emergencies.

Alison Hume said:

"I will continue to call for national resilience to be automatically activated when incidents such as wildfires place critical military infrastructure under threat."