Prevention and Preparedness

Prevention

Wildfires are a recognised and prominent risk within North Yorkshire, with climate related incidents formally assessed and highlighted in NYFRS recently updated Community Risk Profile. In response, NYFRS prevention teams deliver targeted, intelligence led and seasonal activity to raise awareness of wildfire risk, particularly during periods of elevated environmental conditions.

This includes a strong summer wildfire prevention campaign which has run for several years, making proactive use of social media to share key safety messages and practical advice with those most likely to be affected. Campaign activity has historically been primarily social media focused, although the introduction of a dedicated Communications Officer post will strengthen the Service’s ability to deliver more targeted and coordinated public safety campaigns in future.

During the 2025 wildfire season, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service issued a dedicated summer safety press release on 1 May 2025 (“Stay Safe this Summer”) alongside ongoing wildfire prevention messaging through its website and social media channels. Between 1 April and 12 August 2025, the Service published multiple Facebook and Instagram posts providing wildfire safety advice as part of Prevention’s wider wildfire and water safety campaign.

The Service also maintains a dedicated wildfire information page and a specific “Be Moor Aware” wildfire campaign page on its website, providing seasonal advice, prevention messaging and guidance for residents and visitors.

Communications activity has additionally included television and radio interviews during periods of heightened wildfire risk, helping to extend reach and strengthen public awareness.

While there is currently no single national wildfire campaign equivalent to nationally coordinated initiatives such as Water Safety Week, national resources are available through the Fire Kills outdoor safety toolkit, which Services can adapt and supplement locally to reflect regional risk profiles and seasonal conditions. As such, this remains an area where there is opportunity for continued development and greater national consistency in public wildfire prevention messaging.

Preparedness

Alongside prevention activity, NYFRS has proactively invested in preparedness and operational capability to ensure an effective response to wildfire incidents. This includes the development of off road and specialist wildfire capability, enabling crews to access and operate safely in remote and challenging environments.

The Service has four specialist wildfire stations, each equipped with off road vehicles and dedicated wildfire equipment, including Argocats at three strategically located sites. This capability significantly strengthened its ability to intervene early and effectively. In response to the growing frequency and complexity of such events, in 2024 NYFRS identified the need to develop an in service national Wildfire Tactical Advisor (WTA) role, further enhancing specialist operational decision making and command support.

What Went Well
• Wildfire risk clearly recognised and assessed
• Prevention activity targeted, seasonal, and intelligence led
• Strong summer wildfire awareness campaign
• Effective use of social and broadcast media
• Significant specialist wildfire investment
• Four dedicated wildfire stations established
• Strategic off road and Argocat capability
• Improved early intervention in remote terrain
• Enhanced command support through WTA role develop

Learning Opportunities
• Conduct a structured review of prevention and preparedness to ensure arrangements fully reflect the learning and emerging risks highlighted by this incident
• Feedback the need for a national wildfire campaign