Introduction

The author of the report

1.1.1    My name is [redacted], and I have been employed by North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (NYFRS) since 2012.  Since joining the Fire Service I have been responsible for assisting in the investigation of fires and from 2024 I have been responsible for leading investigations which have also included joint investigations with Police and Insurance Investigators.

1.1.2    My specialist field is fire investigation, being warranted under the Fire and Rescue Services Act (2004), section (44) (1) (b) to investigate, “What caused the fire or why it progressed as it did”. I have provided reports on fires, ranging from relatively simple and small-scale incidents to more complex investigations involving substantial financial losses.

1.1.3    [redacted]

1.1.4    This investigation was assisted by Station Manager [redacted] and Station Manager [redacted] who both work for NYFRS and have been responsible for leading fire investigations since 2023. They are both qualified to Level 7 BTEC Advanced Professional Award in Expert Witness Evidence (APAEWE) and Level 5 Certificate in Fire Scene Investigation.  [redacted] and [redacted] assisted with scene examination, photography and collecting information from witnesses and other agencies.

1.1.5    External fire investigation support and advice was provided to the Investigation team from [redacted] who is the Fire Investigation Technical Manager for Northumbria Fire & Rescue Service (NFRS).  [redacted] attended Langdale Forest on 09/09/2025 to assist with a scene examination.

1.1.6    Remote support and advice was also provided from Watch Manager [redacted] who works for Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service and was the investigator responsible for the Winter Hill wildfire in 2018 and Station Manager [redacted] Lead Fire Investigation Officer at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service where the Wareham Forest fire occurred in 2020.

1.1.7    The opinions and conclusions drawn in the report are solely my own and derived from the facts obtained and observations made when investigating the fire.

1.1.8    This report has been independently peer reviewed as per NYFRS Policy and Procedure prior to release.