The presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) made the situation much more complex and affected both how the fire spread and the operational response. Although the danger was identified early in the escalation phase and managed with thorough safety considerations for responders, this kind of risk is not usually considered in standard wildfire planning.

The area has historical significance as a Second World War training site, having been used both as a military firing range and as a mock village intended to divert enemy bombing. As a result, a large number of munitions were deployed across the landscape, some of which did not detonate. This legacy context provides important background to the UXO encountered and reinforces the importance of accessible historical risk information to inform both planning and operational decision-making.

UXO risk had a greatly significant impact on the incident. It constrained access to parts of the incident ground, limited the range of tactical options available and required the integration of specialist advice and enhanced risk management processes to ensure the safety of personnel. During the incident, 22 UXO-related explosions were recorded, reinforcing the need for cautious and controlled intervention.

These constraints were a contributing factor in the fire spreading across a wider area than may otherwise have occurred as restrictions on access reduced opportunities for early intervention and containment in certain locations. Under normal conditions, and  without UXO risk, crews would’ve continued to operate Argocat off-road vehicles on the moorland and utilise offensive firefighting tactics to get large volumes of water to penetrate into the peat beds.

Engagement with military partners, including the RAF and the Joint Regional Liaison Officer (JRLO), was positive and effective throughout the incident. Established relationships enabled clear coordination across defence land and Critical National Infrastructure, RAF Fylingdales.

The RAF played a role in monitoring and managing the western perimeter on defence land affected by UXO risk. Their specialist vehicles, including a high capacity firefighting unit capable of delivering water over long distances, proved effective in restricted terrain.

The incident also highlighted opportunities to strengthen the availability and accessibility of UXO-related information. Prior to and during the early stages of the incident, there was limited detailed data available regarding the location of buried munitions. While such hazards may present limited risk under normal conditions, involvement in fire significantly increases the likelihood of detonation, presenting a clear risk to responders.

There is therefore an opportunity to improve how UXO risk is identified, communicated and incorporated into both operational and strategic planning assumptions. This includes strengthening early access to relevant information, embedding UXO considerations within wildfire pre-planning and Local Resilience Forum arrangements, and ensuring that clear protocols and specialist guidance are readily available.

More broadly, there is value in sharing this learning at a national level to support consistent understanding and preparedness across fire and rescue services, particularly as incidents increasingly occur in complex and historically impacted environments.

What Worked Well
• Early identification of UXO risk enabled the implementation of appropriate
control measures
• Effective engagement with RAF, JRLO and EOD specialists supported safe
and informed decision-making
• Early assertive decision to change fire tactics to ensure responder safety
• Strong partnership working ensured coordination across defence land and
protection of critical national infrastructure, including RAF Fylingdales
• Established relationships with military partners supported timely advice and
effective liaison.

Learning Opportunities

• Strengthen the availability and accessibility of UXO risk information and embed clear protocols for managing UXO within wildfire pre-planning and Local Resilience Forum arrangements
  • Consider national-level sharing of learning to support consistent understanding and preparedness across fire and rescue services
• NYFRS to explore specialist firefighting vehicles with long throw and high capacity capability, similar to RAF.