40 Days. 10 Square Miles. Devastating Damage. All Likely Sparked By a Single Campfire

The official investigation into the massive Langdale Moor fire in the North York Moors is in - and it’s a stark reminder of exactly why we constantly warn against naked flames in the countryside.

Following a 150-hour investigation, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (NYFRS) concluded that this monstrous blaze was likely caused by someone cooking using a campfire or gas burner. Investigators even found teabags and food litter at the ignition site.

This wasn't just a brush fire. It was one of the most complex multi-agency incidents ever seen in the area:

• It burned deep into the peat for over 40 days.

• It threatened critical national infrastructure at RAF Fylingdales.

• Temperatures exceeded 600°C, triggering terrifying "cook-offs" of unexploded historical ordnance hidden in the ground.

But in the face of this unprecedented battle, our rural community showed its true strength.

We want to echo the Chief Fire Officer's massive thanks to the incredible "Farmy Army," our dedicated moorland gamekeepers, and the tireless fire crews who worked side-by-side in treacherous, remote conditions to save our landscapes.

THE MESSAGE IS SIMPLE: Our moorlands are incredibly vulnerable, especially in dry, windy conditions. A dropped match, a disposable BBQ, or a small campfire can have devastating, life-threatening consequences.

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