2.0    Issues

2.1       Statement of instructions

2.1.1    A tier two fire investigation is not routinely required for moorland and heathland fires and following NYFRS procedure the automatic trigger for a tier two investigation had not been met.  Following the spread and impact of this fire a decision was made by the senior leadership team that a robust fire investigation with specific terms of reference should be undertaken.  Following this decision on the 18/08/2025 I put together a team to investigate the fire at Langdale Forest, and a Terms of Reference was published on the same date.

2.1.2    As a tier two investigation was not automatically instigated for this incident there was a period of time between the ignition and investigation which made fact finding and scene excavation difficult.  The amount of interference in the scene and regrowth from nature made looking for post fire indicators and directional antecedence and loss challenging.

2.1.3    The Terms of Reference detailed the purpose as ‘to establish the cause, origin, and contributing factors of the fire at Langdale Forest. The findings will support accountability, future prevention, and potential legal, operational, or environmental responses.’

2.1.4    Due to the development of the fire and extended period of time with multiple activities by the operational crews attending. The gathering witness testimony proved challenging, and the accuracy of information had to be confirmed.

2.2       Issues and key questions

2.2.1    The key questions I have considered are:

• Where was the point of origin of the fire?
• What is the most probable cause of ignition?
• What environmental and meteorological conditions have contributed to the fire?

2.2.2    The areas in scope for this investigation include.

• Physical site inspection of the burned area and suspected point(s) of origin.
• Forensic analysis of fire patterns, ignition sources, and material residues.
• Meteorological data review at and around the time of ignition.
• Interviews with relevant individuals (e.g. witnesses, first responders, land users).
• Review of CCTV footage, drone footage, or other surveillance if available.
• Review of land use and land management practices prior to the fire.
• Assessment of credible ignition sources.
• Collaboration with Police, other Fire and Rescue services and other relevant agencies and experts.
• Preparation of a final Fire Investigation Report, including conclusions and learning.

2.2.4    The areas out of scope for this investigation include.

• Assigning legal liability or criminal prosecution
• Assessment of ecological damage beyond what directly informs the fire’s spread and behaviour.
• Post-incident recovery planning, habitat restoration, or compensation.
• Operational activity of the emergency services (unless directly relevant to fire development and spread)
• Media communications, except to provide factual summaries upon request via official channels.
• Speculation where evidence is lacking — conclusions will be based solely on verifiable data.