By KLTV Newsdesk –

Regional partnership aims to protect countryside as summer holidays begin

Fire and rescue services across Yorkshire have united to strengthen wildfire prevention efforts this summer, launching a renewed regional push behind the #BeMoorAware campaign as new figures reveal the continued threat posed by countryside fires.

The joint initiative brings together West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service to deliver consistent safety messages across the region during the busy summer holiday period.

Although new National Resilience data shows that wildfire incidents across England and Wales have fallen compared with last year, fire chiefs are warning that the risk remains significant, particularly during prolonged spells of hot and dry weather.

Between 1 January and 6 July 2026, fire and rescue services attended 342 wildfires, compared with 639 incidents during the same period in 2025.

However, 2025 was the busiest wildfire season ever recorded, with 1,006 wildfires across England and Wales, surpassing the previous record of 994 incidents set in 2022.

National Resilience, which coordinates the national response to significant emergencies on behalf of UK fire and rescue services, collects wildfire data to monitor trends, assess operational demand and improve future planning.

Building on a successful campaign

Originally developed by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, the #BeMoorAware campaign has spent several years encouraging responsible behaviour in the countryside and highlighting the dangers of wildfires.

This summer, the campaign has expanded across Yorkshire, with all participating services sharing the same prevention messages in a coordinated effort to reach more residents and visitors.

The renewed campaign follows a number of significant wildfire incidents across the region, including the devastating Langdales/Fylingdales Moor wildfire in North Yorkshire during August 2025.

A major incident was declared on 13 August after the blaze spread across approximately 25 square kilometres of moorland. Firefighters from across the country battled challenging conditions over an extended period before bringing the fire under control. An investigation later concluded the fire had been caused by a naked flame from either a campfire or gas burner.

Simple actions can prevent devastating fires

Fire services say many wildfires are caused by everyday human activity, with even a small ignition source capable of sparking a fast-moving blaze during dry weather.

Residents and visitors are being reminded to dispose of cigarettes responsibly, avoid using disposable barbecues or lighting campfires on moorland, and always take litter home.

Assistant District Commander Mick Rhodes, Lead Wildfire Officer for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “West Yorkshire saw its highest January-to-May wildfire count in six years during 2025, with 31 incidents recorded by the end of May. While the number of wildfires this year is lower than last, it only takes one spark to cause significant damage.

“Yorkshire’s moorlands are among our most valuable natural environments, but during prolonged periods of warm, dry weather they can become incredibly vulnerable.

“Most wildfires are preventable. By making simple choices, such as leaving disposable barbecues at home, taking litter away with you and never lighting open fires on the moors, everyone has a role to play in protecting our countryside, wildlife and the communities that surround it.

“Working together across Yorkshire sends a powerful message that wildfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility.”

Sarah Wilkinson, Head of Prevention at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As we experience warmer, drier summers, it’s more important than ever that people understand the risks that grassland and wildfires pose to our communities, countryside and wildlife.

“We are delighted to be working with our fire and rescue partners across Yorkshire to raise awareness of how quickly these fires can spread and the devastating impact they can have on the environment, local residents and the firefighters responding to them.

“We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors safely this summer by taking simple precautions, such as disposing of rubbish responsibly, avoiding activities that could start a fire, and reporting any signs of fire immediately. Together, we can help protect Yorkshire’s green spaces and keep our communities safe.”

Chris Tyler, Group Manager in South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Safety Team, said: “Wildfires continue to pose a significant risk, so I’m delighted that fire and rescue services across Yorkshire are supporting this campaign to raise awareness of the impact these fires have on both the countryside and our firefighters.

Not only are animals and habitats destroyed by wildfires, but these incidents often take a long time for our crews to extinguish, reducing their availability to respond to other potentially life-threatening emergencies.”

Tom Hirst, Director of Community Risk and Resilience at North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “In August 2025, North Yorkshire experienced one of the largest and most complex wildfires recorded in England, affecting around 25 square kilometres of moorland and forestry across Fylingdales Moor and the surrounding Langdale Forest at its peak.

The incident demonstrated how modern wildfires can devastate our landscapes, place significant pressure on emergency services, and affect local communities and the wider resilience system. We are pleased to be working with neighbouring fire and rescue services to raise awareness of the risks associated with unsafe behaviours and the positive steps we can all take to help prevent wildfires.”

How the public can help

The Yorkshire fire and rescue services are urging everyone heading outdoors this summer to follow a few simple precautions:

• Never use disposable barbecues, campfires or any naked flames on moorland.
• Take all litter home, particularly glass bottles and disposable barbecues.
• Dispose of cigarettes responsibly.
• Report any fire immediately by calling 999 and asking for the Fire Service.
• If possible, use the what3words app to provide an accurate location.
• Leave the area immediately and never attempt to tackle a wildfire yourself.

Protecting Yorkshire’s landscapes

Throughout the summer, all four Yorkshire fire and rescue services will continue promoting #BeMoorAware through their websites and social media channels, encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy Yorkshire’s countryside responsibly while helping to protect local communities, wildlife and the region’s treasured natural landscapes from the devastating effects of wildfires.