Cause of huge blaze on Fylingdales Moor revealed
North Yorkshire Fire have completed an investigation
Last updated 26th Feb 2026
A massive wildfire on Fylingdales Moor last August is thought to have been started by someone cooking using a campfire or gas burner.
A major incident was declared during the blaze - which was made more difficult to put out due to the hot dry weather and that the area had previously been used as a military training range, meaning unexploded ordnance was present.
At its peak on the 25th August, the fire covered an area of up to 25km². It was finally brought under control by the 23rd September.
The area had historically been used as a military training range, meaning unexploded ordnance was present.
During the incident, around 20 ‘cook-offs’ occurred, 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.
"we are reviewing and strengthening our wildfire provision"
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.”
"the emotional scars may well be less obvious"
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.
“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 [email protected]."
He went on the thank the fire crews, partners and council staff who were involved in the fire response.