Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services Unite Behind #BeMoorAware Wildfire Campaign

A joint media release issued by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services Unite Behind #BeMoorAware Wildfire Campaign

Fire and rescue services across Yorkshire are strengthening their joint wildfire prevention messaging this summer, as new National Resilience data highlights the continuing threat posed by countryside fires. 

Fire and rescue services across England and Wales responded to 342 wildfires between 1st January and 6th July 2026, according to National Resilience data, compared with 639 incidents during the same period in 2025.

The 2025 wildfire season was the busiest on record. Fire and rescue services across England and Wales responded to 1,006 wildfires during the year, surpassing the previous record of 994 incidents recorded across the whole of 2022.

National Resilience coordinates the national response to significant emergencies on behalf of UK fire and rescue services. Wildfire incident data is collected nationally to monitor trends, assess operational demand and support planning and preparedness across fire and rescue services.

To help reduce the risk of another devastating wildfire season, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service have joined together to amplify the #BeMoorAware campaign ahead of the summer holidays.

Originally developed by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, #BeMoorAware has helped raise awareness of wildfire risks and promote responsible behaviour in the countryside for several years. This summer, fire and rescue services across Yorkshire are strengthening that approach by sharing the same prevention messages, helping to extend the reach and impact of wildfire safety advice across the region 

The renewed focus comes as fire and rescue services continue to respond to wildfire incidents across the region and beyond. One of the most significant was the Langdales/Fylingdales Moor wildfire in North Yorkshire in August 2025. A major incident was declared on 13th August and, at its peak, the fire covered around 25 square kilometres. Firefighters from across the country worked in extremely challenging conditions over a prolonged period to bring the blaze under control. Following an investigation, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service concluded the fire was caused by a naked flame from a campfire or gas burner. 

Many wildfires are caused by everyday human activity, and during periods of warm, dry weather even the smallest ignition source can quickly develop into a fast-moving fire. Simple actions such as disposing of cigarettes responsibly, avoiding disposable barbecues, never lighting campfires or gas burners on moorland, and taking litter home can all help prevent wildfires.

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.”

People are urged to:

• Never use disposable barbecues, campfires or any naked flames on moorland
• Take all litter home, especially 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

Throughout the summer, all four Yorkshire fire and rescue services will share #BeMoorAware advice across their websites and social media channels, encouraging everyone to enjoy Yorkshire's countryside responsibly while helping to protect communities, wildlife and the natural environment from the devastating impact of wildfires.
Wildfire Safety

• West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service – Safety Advice | West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
• North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service – Your Safety - North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service
• South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service – Safety Advice | South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
• Humberside Fire and Rescue Service – Your Safety | Humberside Fire and Rescue Service

Regional Media Contacts:

• Oly Woodcock – West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service – oly.woodcock@westyorksfire.gov.uk | corporate.communications@westyorksfire.gov.uk  
• Shahanna Carless – Humberside Fire and Rescue Service – corporatecommunication@humbersidefire.gov.uk   
• Greg Mattocks-Evans – South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service – press@syfire.gov.uk  
• Suzi Dale – North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service – media@northyorksfire.gov.uk 

Notes to Editors:

• Embargo: 00:01 Tuesday, 28th July 2026
• National Resilience wildfire data relates to incidents attended by fire and rescue services across England and Wales and is used to monitor wildfire activity, identify emerging trends and support national operational planning
• Please contact your local fire and rescue service for further information, additional images, broadcast-quality video or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson