Incident Update – Langdale Moor Fire

11:00am  12 August 2025

The incident is on an old army range and we are aware that there are munitions in the area.

We have precautions in place for our crews at the scene, but people may hear explosions. Explosive Ordnance Disposal are aware and are attending.

Please avoid the area and if you’re nearby keep your doors and windows closed.

Crews remain at the scene and are likely to be there for the next few days. The fire is deep-seated in peat.

Crews are operating on the perimeter to tackle the fire and are being supported by neighbouring services and a helicopter which is assisting with dropping water.

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Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Dyson would like to extend his thanks to everyone for the support they’ve offered this week whilst we’ve been dealing with the fire at Langdale Moor.

“Our crews, control room staff and officers, have worked around the clock this past week to tackle the moorland fire at Langdale. It’s been especially hot and tiring work for the crews and officers at the scene. The generosity of communities and businesses through donations, support and well wishes has been truly outstanding. I’m especially grateful to local farmers, gamekeepers and partner agencies who’ve assisted on the ground and to our neighbouring fire services for providing additional resources.”

We remain at the scene of this incident and are likely to be there for some time to come. Our current arrangements involve having 5 fire engines there during the day and three overnight but this is dependent on the weather and any changes at the scene.

Crews continue to carry out hotspotting and are working to prevent any further fire spread with containment from the perimeter due to the presence of unexploded ordnance on the site.  We continue to be supported by partners, farmers and contractors.

Fire investigation work has started but no cause has been established at this time.

We continue to ask people to avoid the area, but the rest of the National Park remains open.

The smoke is impacting different areas depending on the wind direction. Our advice remains to keep doors and windows shut if you’re affected by smoke from this incident.  There’s also advice at www.northyorks.gov.uk/north-yorkshire-local-resilience-forum/our-risks-north-yorkshire/community-risks-wildfire

Crews and partners are working hard to try to stop the fire spreading and have been liaising with residents in the areas affected by the fire. Some areas were evacuated including the Grouse Hill Caravan Park yesterday afternoon/evening. No property has been involved in the fire at this point.

Due to the large amount of smoke in the area some roads remain closed. The latest information on the road closures is available from North Yorkshire Council. www.facebook.com/northyorksc Please do not ignore the road closed signs.

If you are affected by smoke please keep your doors and windows closed.

If you need to evacuate you will be contacted and advised. If you do live in areas near to the fire you might want to consider preparing a grab bag in case you need to leave at short notice. Consider packing items like medication, insurance documents, glasses and contact lenses, phones and chargers and other items you might need if you have to leave your property at short notice. Find out more about items you might need to pack at Protect yourself in an emergency | North Yorkshire Council

If you’re affected by smoke please follow the advice below:

• keep your doors and windows closed.
• If driving in smoky areas keep your windows wound up, air vents closed and switch off air conditioning systems to prevent drawing in outside air.
• keep hydrated with cool drinks.
• Whilst causing short-term poor air quality, exposure to smoke from large-scale wildfires is unlikely to contribute to any long-term health effects.
• In general, exposure to smoke is more likely to affect people who have existing breathing problems, lung or heart conditions (such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic pulmonary disease or heart disease). The very young and very old, smokers and people with flu or flu-like illnesses may also be at greater risk after exposure to smoke from fires.
• Smoke can irritate air passages, skin and eyes, resulting in coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain. Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should carry any necessary medication or inhalers with them at all times and seek medical advice if their symptoms worsen, by contacting their GP or NHS 111.
• Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.

There is more advice at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/…/community-risks-wildfire

If you’re concerned the fire is heading to your home please call 999 and ask for the fire service.

Update: 12:45 Thursday 28 August  2025

We remain at the scene with partner agencies. Our Chief Fire Officer requested national assets yesterday from the Fire National Resilience and these are starting to arrive into North Yorkshire. These include 10 additional fire engines and crews and specialist resources from other fire and rescue services to assist us with dealing with the incident and to allow our crews to have some rest.  These additional assets are going to a holding area in Pickering, where they can be deployed to the incident ground.  People in and around Pickering may see additional emergency service vehicles in the area.

Crews and partners are continuing their efforts to contain the fire. We have 10 fire engines and specialist vehicles at the scene. Partners and farmers continue to help us and we again thank them for all their assistance and the Galtres Pickering Showground for allowing us to use their site as a holding area.

If evacuations are required people affected will be contacted and advised. If you’re affected by smoke in the area please keep doors and windows closed.

We continue to ask people to avoid the area and abide by the road closure signs.

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We would like to thank the fire services below who are helping us in response to the national asset request (This is a changing picture). We have also had excellent support from our neighbouring services throughout this incident.

• Cleveland
• Greater Manchester
• Humberside
• Merseyside
• Derbyshire
• West Yorkshire
• London fire Brigade
• Cumbria
• Gloucester
• Tyne and wear

If evacuations are required people affected will be contacted and advised. If you’re affected by smoke in the area please keep doors and windows closed.

We continue to ask people to avoid the area and abide by the road closure signs.

Update: 13:00 Monday 1 September 

The incident area remains contained and we had 12 crews on site during the night. As expected, there were several flare ups. All within the contained areas and were dealt with through normal firefighting tactics. Please remember this will continue to occur over the coming weeks, but we will inform you of any incident escalation.

We experienced an additional munition explosion last night, within the area that we have previously reported and would ask the public to remain away from our firefighting areas.

We continue to monitor the area and and work continues with fire breaks on the moorlands whilst Forestry England create and maintain fire breaks on land, they manage at Sneaton and Langdale Forests.

We expect there to be more smoke in and around, the Whitby area. Please follow public health advice and keep your doors and windows closed.

Crews have continued to deal with isolated flare ups today, all within the contained boundary. We’ve got 8 appliances monitoring and working through the night.

The A171 and B1416 road has reopened with road safety measures in place. This includes 30mph speed limits. Please stick to these limits are the fire is ongoing and crews continue to work in the area. Flare ups will continue for some time to come. Laybys will be closed, therefore, please keep moving and do not stop to look at the fire, take photographs or walk over moorland. Falling Foss and May Beck car parks in Sneaton Forest remain closed while crews are in the area. For further information visit North Yorkshire Council website.

Increase smoke is likely in low lying areas. Please follow Public Health advice. This includes keeping windows and doors shut.

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Update: Wednesday 3 September 2025

Flare ups continue within the contained site. Smoke plumes within the Robin Hood Bay and Ravenscar area. Pleas keep your doors and windows shut.

Flare ups are when the peat is burning underground and comes to the surface. Flare ups are typically short-lived and are controlled through normal firefighting tactics. We expect these to continue for some time to come.

Although roads are open, this is still a major incident so please do not walk across moorlands.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Maintains Major Incident Status Amid Ongoing Wildfire Response

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (NYFRS) extends its sincere gratitude to all partners and members of the public for their continued support throughout the ongoing wildfire incident. We especially thank local farmers, Game Keepers, the Ministry of Defence, the Local Resilience Forum, contractors and our communities for their cooperation, support and resilience.

We also want to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of our own staff, we are immensely proud of their continued commitment, alongside those who have supported us from around the country.

Although elements of our response are transitioning toward Business As Usual (BAU), the wildfire remains formally declared a single agency major incident for NYFRS. This status, determined by our Strategic Leadership Team in consultation with Incident Commanders and Wildfire Tactical Advisors, reflects the complex and evolving nature of the situation and is based on critical operational factors. Retaining the major incident designation enables the Service to mobilise resources dynamically and adapt tactics swiftly without formal escalation processes. This decision is based on risk, not resource availability and reflects the complexity, hazards and enduring environmental impacts of the incident.

Special arrangements with contractors remain in place and we are working closely with landowners to clarify their responsibilities as we move toward de-escalation. Structured handovers to landowners are underway and our Internal Coordination Group holds daily incident and partner agency briefings, to monitor progress and guide the transition to BAU.

While the fire is currently contained, it is not fully extinguished and we will remain at the scene for sometime.  Deep-seated burning and excessive heat remain and shifts in wind direction can ignite unburnt vegetation within containment lines, leading to the continued flare-ups. This will result in the visible flame and smoke we’ve been updating you on, potentially causing temporary traffic disruption and concern in nearby communities. Despite the establishment of significant fire breaks, the landscape remains highly vulnerable and the risk of re-ignition is a key factor in our maintenance of the Major Incident status. Key safety concerns persist, including the increased risk of unexploded munitions within the affected area, which the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum Recovery Group is working with MoD upon. This significantly impacts our firefighting tactics and crew safety and restricts access for partner agencies. The scale and terrain of the incident ground continue to present logistical challenges, limiting safe and effective firefighting operations. Nonetheless, we are effectively dealing with all flare ups and areas needing a response. An investigation into the cause of the fire is also underway.

Public reassurance remains a priority for us, as our crews continue to operate under emergency response protocols and are ready to escalate operations if required. The weather conditions are being closely monitored and operational decisions are informed by expert advice and real-time intelligence. We remain committed to maintaining the welfare and health and safety of our crews throughout this incident. All personnel are adhering to strict safety protocols, including guidance around unexploded ordnance and terrain hazards.

Please continue to adhere to our safety notices and seek updates from official sources

Once again, we thank everyone involved for your dedication, cooperation and support during this challenging period.

Update Thursday 11th September 3:30pm

We continue to have a presence at the incident as we deal with the flare-ups, but all firefighting activity is within the contained boundary. The incident remains a single agency major incident for NYFRS, which has been reviewed again today.

If you see smoke in the surrounding areas from the flare-ups, we still advise that you keep your doors and windows closed. We continue to ask people to take care if they’re driving through the area as smoke may affect visibility. There’s further advice on the North Yorkshire Council website.

There’s information on the North York Moors National Park website about the areas affected North York Moors National Park | NYMNP.  

Other areas of the county remain open for business.

Thank you again to the local communities for your patience whilst we continue to deal with this incident and to farmers, game keepers, partner agencies and contractors for all their help and assistance.

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Update 3:30pm Friday 12th September 2025

We remain in attendance at the incident and continue to deal with flare ups, which are still occurring within the contained boundary. The incident remains a single agency major incident for NYFRS. Whilst the rain is helping, there is still deep-seated heat within the peat.

We continue to monitor the weather and situation on the ground.

We again thank everyone for their support whilst we’ve been dealing with the incident. Please follow the advice to keep doors and windows closed if you’re affected by smoke and follow the guidance on walking/cycle route closures and road speed limits in the local area.

Guidance on cycle route/walking route diversions: North York Moors National Park | NYMNP.  

Information on road speed limits and lay-by closures Langdale and Fylingdales area wildfire | North Yorkshire Council

13th September 2025 Update

We remain in at the attendance at this incident.

Please continue to follow the restrictions that remain in place in the area, which are in place for your safety and the safety of our crews, farmers and partner agencies who are assisting us.

Thank you for your support.

Sunday 14th September 2025 Update

Our crews dealt with a flare-up in a forestry area yesterday however, the incident remained well within the established control lines. We’re working with Forestry England to monitor the site.

Additionally, an unexploded ordnance (UXO) was discovered and reported yesterday, followed by a large explosion recorded on the moorland. Please continue to avoid the area for your safety and the safety of our crews.

Weather conditions today are expected to be similar to yesterday, with mild temperatures and humidity levels. Showers are likely later in the day. An increase in wind speed is forecast, with strong gusts possible this afternoon. These conditions may lead to further flare-ups, and moorland areas will be monitored accordingly.

If you’re affected by smoke please continue to follow the advice to keep doors and windows closed.

Thank you for your continued support.

Monday 15 September 2025 Update

We are gradually transitioning toward a more business as usual approach. However, the major incident status remains in place for NYFRS, allowing the Service to mobilise resources swiftly if needed, without requiring formal escalation procedures.

Currently, an average of three fire engines are deployed at the scene. Crews continue to manage flare ups, monitor weather conditions and provide welfare support to those in attendance.

The cooler, wetter weather is helping to suppress the fire, but deep-seated heat remains in the peat. Flare ups may still occur, and visible smoke is possible. If you are driving in the area, please do so responsibly and in accordance with visibility conditions. If you encounter smoke:

• Keep windows and air vents closed.
• Switch off air conditioning to prevent drawing in outside air.

We continue to ask that people follow the walking/cycle route diversions and avoid the areas where we’re working for their safety and the safety of the teams working at the scene. There remains a risk from unexploded ordnance and possible flare ups.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is on-going

Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation.

We continue to maintain a presence at the Langdale incident, with our crews monitoring the situation on the ground.

There is still heat in the peat, so we kindly ask everyone to follow the guidance in place, including lay-by and car park closures as well as diversions to cycling and walking routes. You can find more information about these at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/north-yorkshire-local-resilience-forum/north-yorkshire-local-resilience-forum-news/langdale-and-fylingdales-area-wildfire

A huge thank you to all who have supported the response from partner agencies, farmers, gamekeepers and contractors to the local communities and businesses.

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Watch the latest update from Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Dyson on the Langdale/ Fylingdales Moor incident.

The fire has now been successfully contained for over three weeks. As of today, the major incident status has officially been de-escalated.

While the fire is no longer classified as a major incident, it remains an active incident and fire crews will continue to monitor the area daily.

There is still deep-seated heat within the peat and we continue to ask that you avoid the affected area and call 999 and request the fire service if you notice any flare-ups.

The risk of unexploded ordnance also remains, please follow the guidance around the right of access restrictions and cycle and walking route diversions which can be found on the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum section of the North Yorkshire Council website Langdale and Fylingdales area wildfire | North Yorkshire Council

An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently ongoing.

We again want to thank everyone who has supported us during this incident including farmers, contractors, game keepers, partner agencies, other fire and rescue services and local communities and businesses.

The North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum Recovery Group is leading and coordinating the long-term recovery efforts following the incident.

As this moves into more of a recovery phase we’ll be scaling down these updates but will keep you informed if anything changes. Information will also be shared from the recovery group.

Whilst it’s no longer a major incident we continue to monitor the situation at Langdale/ Fylingdales Moor.

Some public rights of way remain closed, and open access to Fylingdales Moor is suspended. You can find out more about these restrictions at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/north-yorkshire-local-resilience-forum/north-yorkshire-local-resilience-forum-news/langdale-and-fylingdales-area-wildfire#travel

Please help us by following the restrictions in place.Once again thank you for your ongoing support.

1st October 2025

Fire crews continue to carry out regular checks of the site to check for any flare ups. If people spot any flare ups, they should dial 999 and ask for the fire service.

Deep-seated heat remains within the peat which may result in visible smoke from time to time.

Our fire investigation team is progressing with investigation into the cause of the incident.  We will share the outcomes of the investigation once it is complete.

The North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum have now moved into the recovery stage and partners are working together to support those affected by this incident.

Langdale and Fylingdales area wildfire | North Yorkshire Council

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3rd October 2025 Update

We are still carrying out monitoring and checks to look for any flare ups. Some areas of the forestry are smouldering, and smoke may be visible.

Rights of way on Fylingdales Moor remain closed and open access to the moor is suspended.  We continue to ask people to follow the guidance on the closures for their safety. Langdale and Fylingdales area wildfire | North Yorkshire Council

The investigation into the cause of the fire is on-going.

We continue to ask that people follow the guidance on the rights of way closures and suspension to the open access to Fylingdales Moor.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

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Thursday 16th October 2025 Update

This remains active incident and fire crews continue to carry out regular checks of the moorland and forestry.

There are still some localised areas with heat in the ground which continue to smoulder, however flare-ups (visible flames) have considerably reduced over the last few weeks.
If people spot any flare-ups, they should call 999 and ask for the fire service.

Our fire investigation team are continuing to investigate the cause, and we will report on the outcomes in due course.

The North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum partners continue to work together to support those affected by this incident. Assessments of the damage caused to the natural and historic environment continue. The vast majority of the North York Moors National Park can be enjoyed safely, with businesses open as usual. Public Rights of Way and Open Access to Fylingdales Moor are still closed. Please continue to respect the closures that are in place and don’t walk or cycle in areas damaged by fire.

Find out more at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/north-yorkshire-local-resilience-forum/north-yorkshire-local-resilience-forum-news/langdale-and-fylingdales-area-wildfire

We are still carrying out regular checks of the site and the investigation into the cause is on-going.

The local resilience forum continues to lead on the recovery phase with various partner agencies.

Public Rights of Way remain closed and Open Access to Fylingdales Moor is suspended due to the risk posed by unexploded ordnance and also to try to reduce the risk of further erosion. Please continue to respect the closures that are in place and don’t walk or cycle in areas damaged by fire.

Find out more at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/north-yorkshire-local-resilience-forum/north-yorkshire-local-resilience-forum-news/langdale-and-fylingdales-area-wildfire

Friday 7th November 2025 Update

We continue to carry out daily checks of the site of the fire at Langdale/ Fylingdales Moor. Some areas of the forestry are still smouldering so there may be visible smoke in this area.

Public Rights of Way remain closed and Open Access to Fylingdales Moor is currently suspended. This is due to the ongoing risk from unexploded ordnance and to help prevent further erosion in fire-damaged areas. We kindly ask everyone to respect these closures and avoid walking or cycling in affected areas.

The moorland burning season has now begun, and you may notice controlled burns being carried out These are planned and supervised activities, but if you see smoke and suspect a fire may be unattended or spreading, please call 999 and ask for the fire service immediately. If you are carrying out controlled burning, please notify our control room by calling 02031620219. Please only use this phone number to notify the control room about controlled burning. General enquiries should be made through our reception number (01609 780150) and you should always call 999 in an emergency.

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5th December 2025 Update

We continue to carry out regular checks across the site. There is now significantly less visible smouldering, including within the forestry areas.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is on-going.

Regular updates on the recovery work can be found at Langdale and Fylingdales area wildfire | North Yorkshire Council

Moorland burning season is underway, and you may notice controlled burns being carried out across the county. These are planned and supervised activities, but if you see smoke and suspect a fire may be unattended or spreading, please call 999 and ask for the fire service immediately. If you are carrying out controlled burning, please notify our control room by calling 02031620219. Please only use this phone number to notify the control room about controlled burning. General enquiries should be made through our reception number (01609 780150) and you should always call 999 in an emergency.

22nd December 2025 Update

From today this is no longer an active incident for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, and we have stopped carrying out checks across the site.

The fire investigation work is continuing and we will report on the outcomes in due course.

Regular updates on the recovery work can be found at Langdale and Fylingdales area wildfire | North Yorkshire Council

Public Rights of Way have reopened and the temporary suspension of Open Access has ended. We kindly ask visitors to follow the guidance from the North York Moors National Park:

• Stay on designated paths
• Pay attention to advisory signage

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