Overview
- North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service concluded the blaze was likely started by cooking with a naked flame, such as a campfire or gas burner, after an in-depth investigation using witness accounts, footage review and fire-pattern analysis.
- The fire was declared a major incident on August 13 due to its proximity to RAF Fylingdales and ultimately spread across up to 25km², ranking among the largest UK wildfires.
- Crews faced remote terrain with limited water supplies and difficult access, compounded by prolonged hot, dry, windy conditions and the presence of unexploded ordnance.
- Around 20 pumps and a helicopter were deployed at the height of the response, and roughly 20 ‘cook-offs’ occurred as temperatures exceeded 600°C, forcing constant tactical adjustments with partner agencies.
- Officials say the service is strengthening wildfire provision by increasing specialist teams, upgrading equipment and protective gear, and formalising partner support to improve large-volume water delivery, as recovery efforts and community support continue.