At the time of the initial incident, Tier 2 fire investigations were not routinely commissioned for moorland and heathland fires. This position was consistent with wider sector practice at the time, where formal fire investigations have historically focused on incidents in the built environment rather than large scale wildland fires. As a result, a Fire Investigation Officer was not deployed during the early stages of the incident. As the fire escalated in scale, duration and complexity, the Strategic Leadership Team determined that a comprehensive fire investigation was both appropriate and necessary to ensure learning could be identified, tested and shared.

A dedicated team of Tier 2 Fire Investigation Officers was therefore established on  18 August 2025 to undertake the investigation. A clear Terms of Reference was produced at an early stage, setting out the purpose of the investigation, governance arrangements and defined responsibilities. This provided a clear and accountable framework and ensured a consistent and transparent approach across all agencies involved. The first site visit was undertaken on 19 August, 54 days after the initial attendance.

The investigation was strengthened by a multiagency and multidisciplinary approach, drawing together expertise from wildfire operations, fire investigation, Crime Scene Investigation and individuals with detailed local knowledge of the area. This breadth of expertise enhanced analytical capability and contributed to the robustness and credibility of the findings. The Fire Investigation Officers tasked with this work demonstrated a particularly high standard of professional practice, undertaking extensive research and applying recognised investigative methodologies to assess complex and evolving evidence in a challenging environment.

The effective use of drone technology was a notable strength, enabling large and difficult to access areas to be examined safely and efficiently, while supporting the capture of high quality aerial imagery. Investigators also made effective use of established national guidance, including the Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, alongside additional Wildland Fire Investigation training CFI trainer.net*. A clear investigative timeline was developed to support consistency and evidential integrity, with both internal and external peer review providing additional assurance and challenge.

The investigation also identified learning relevant to future incidents. Wildland fires can spread, burn underground and subsequently burn back across wide areas, influenced by changing wind and weather conditions. This can make identifying the area of origin increasingly challenging as time progresses. Earlier deployment of Fire Investigation Officers would support more effective early evidence capture.

More broadly, the incident highlights a sector wide opportunity to strengthen fire investigation capability in relation to moorland and wildland fires. These environments present investigative challenges that differ from those in the built environment, and there is a case for continued development of national guidance, training and competence frameworks to reflect the increasing frequency, scale and complexity of large scale wildfire incidents.

 *Certified Fire Investigator Training

 What Worked Well

• Timely and proportionate decision to commission a Tier 2 fire investigation as the incident escalated
• Clear Terms of Reference established early, providing strong governance, role clarity and accountability
• High standard of professional practice by Fire Investigation Officers, including thorough research, effective use of evidence and recognised investigative techniques
• Strong multi-agency approach, combining wildfire expertise, fire investigation, crime scene investigation and local knowledge
• Effective use of drones and recognised guidance (Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination), supported by specialist training
• Robust assurance through structured timelines and internal and external
  peer review.

Learning Opportunities

• Consider earlier deployment of Fire Investigation Officers for large scale or escalating wildland fires to strengthen early evidence capture
• Work the sector to further develop wildfire specific fire investigation capability, training and guidance.