North York Moors fire started by camp fire or burner "still very raw to communities"

A media briefing into the cause of the Fylingdales and Langdale Moors fire today (Feb 26) revealed that a second fire which broke out near The Flask on the Whitby to Scarborough Road on August 14, was started by a cigarette potentially discarded by someone in a lay-by.

Fire investigation officer and a station manager for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Adam Farrow, said the investigation was “very complex” with “over 150 hours’ worth” of investigations on scene, along with witness testimonies.

He said they looked at:

♦ cause and origin of the fire

♦ its spread and development

♦ and investigating the timeline of the fire and when it started

A fire was first reported at the ignition site within Langdale Forest on June 26, the fire service said, which burned throughout July and was managed by Forestry England.

On August 11, the fire service responded to a 999 call when it was noticed the fire had breached its original confines and spread.

The fire was declared a major incident on August 13 due to its proximity to Critical National Infrastructure.

Mr Farrow said the fire was not visible from the road to begin with, being a mile-and-a-half from the main road, and was very difficult to get there.

It needed specialist vehicles to get anywhere close, with much of it done by foot.

Mr Farrow said the fire service looked at as many potential causes as possible. This is because the service sought evidence to either support or not support potential causes, and to decide whether it was deliberate, accidental or undetermined, if unable to find the cause.

"We were able to find what we believe to be the cause as either a camp fire or gas burner,” he said.

"I am convinced it must have been a camp fire or implements to warm up food and drink, along with evidence of people being in the area.

"Looking at how it’s spread, it’s spread through peat and tree roots.”

Remnants of coffee sachets, pepper and tin cans were also found at the scene.

He said from August 11, the blaze had spread in line with the wind direction, on to moorland, and the firefighting tactics changed due to the presence of ordnance in the area.

He stressed that Forestry England did not allow camping or burning of barbecues and this was going against the rules they ask people to follow.

Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Dyson said: “This is still very raw for the communities of North Yorkshire.

"It could happen again as this was caused by human behaviour and we need to educate and reinforce to people that there is a consequence, and we’re asking people not to use heating stoves or barbecues in that area.

"It’s not only the consequences to the landowners, the firefighters and farmers were at a significant risk as a result of this.

"This could have been more significant and thank goodness there was no loss of life.”

Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, thanked everyone involved in the community response to the “complex and challenging” incident.

This ranged from firefighters and volunteers, partner agencies, businesses, farmers, landowners, and the wider community, to the fire and rescue crews who travelled from across the country to support us.

Commenting on North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service investigation team’s “thorough and detailed report into the cause of the fire”, Jo added: “This work provides vital insights and will be a vital tool in ensuring lessons are learned and that we improve work to prevent future incidents like this.

“As a result of the changing climate, our beautiful moorlands are unfortunately increasingly vulnerable to wildfires and it's vital we all do everything we can to learn lessons and focus on how to prevent future incidents like this.”

Leader of North Yorkshire County Council, Coun Carl Les, said: “This milestone moment may trigger reflection and memories which may be difficult for the communities and businesses most impacted by what was without doubt a terrifying blaze.

“If anyone needs support in dealing with these please get in touch with our Major Incident Response Team (MIRT).

"The team can provide confidential emotional and practical support from specially trained volunteers.”

They can be contacted anytime by emailing [email protected] or on 07974 745194.