Firefighters Combat Major Blaze at North York Moors National Park

A significant fire has erupted at the North York Moors National Park, prompting a large-scale response from emergency services. The North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service reported on the morning of August 15, 2023, that crews were actively battling a blaze on Langdale Moor, adjacent to the RAF Fylingdales early warning station.

By the afternoon of August 16, the fire had expanded to cover approximately five square kilometres, or about two square miles. To address the situation, the fire service deployed 20 fire engines to the scene, with additional resources on the way.

Local officials, including David Skaith, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and Jo Coles, the deputy mayor for policing, fire, and crime, released a statement regarding the incident. “We are aware of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s declaration of a major incident for the fire at Langdale Moor and continue to monitor the situation,” they said. They also urged the public to steer clear of the area and follow guidance from the fire service, which is available on their official website.

The ongoing fire coincides with extended heat health alerts across much of England. Yellow warnings have been issued for regions including Yorkshire and Humber, the East Midlands, West Midlands, London, the South East, the South West, and the East of England. These alerts will remain in effect until 18:00 on August 18, 2023, as the country faces unseasonably high temperatures.

As the situation develops, the fire service continues to monitor the fire’s spread and assess the impact on local communities and wildlife. The response from emergency service workers and partner agencies underscores the collaborative effort needed to manage such a significant incident.

Officials are hopeful that with continued support and resources, the fire will be contained soon, minimizing its impact on the surrounding environment.