The Water Guy and the Farmy Army: Unsung Heroes of Langdale Moor

When fire broke out on Langdale Moor near RAF Fylingdales in August, it quickly became one of the largest moorland wildfires in living memory. Covering nearly ten square miles at its height, the blaze raged for weeks through some of the North York Moors’ most iconic landscapes.

Among those who fought to contain it was farmer Chris Ford - now known locally as “The Water Guy” - who helped lead the volunteer “Farmy Army” working alongside North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service. With ponds and streams running dry during the hottest summer on record, finding enough water became a desperate challenge.

“We were losing too much time - the fire was gaining on us,” Ford recalled. “We drained farm ponds, slurry stores, and even drew from Whitby Harbour. If that hadn’t worked, the fire could have reached Hawsker and Robin Hood’s Bay.”

Despite exhaustion and danger, no one gave up. Firefighters, farmers, and local volunteers worked side by side for weeks, cutting firebreaks, transporting water, and protecting nearby villages. Not a single home was lost, and no one was injured.

Last weekend, those involved reunited for a tractor run from Whitby Marina to Hawsker Village Hall, a symbolic thank-you to the community that rallied together through crisis.

Event organiser Amy Cockrem said it was “a thank you to everyone who came out when it mattered most.”

Reflecting on the experience, Ford said the effort was “a massive team achievement” that strengthened bonds across the community.

“No property burned and nobody was hurt,” he said. “It was the biggest fire we’ve ever had - about 6,000 acres  but we steered it. We stuck together as a team and came through it.”

📧 Keep Updated on All Moorland Issues - Sign Up For Our FREE Weekly Newsletter.