People visiting North Yorkshire’s countryside are being warned of the extreme risk of further wildfires linked to campfires and disposable barbecues being lit in remote, tinder-dry rural locations across the county.
Road signs along key routes will be in place for the rest of summer to reinforce the messages of the Don’t Spark Disaster campaign, which encourages residents and visitors to take simple steps to prevent devastating fires in the countryside. The move follows ongoing reports of campfires being lit in wooded and moorland areas, posing a serious risk to the environment, wildlife and the firefighters responding, as well as to local communities and property.
The campaign follows the catastrophic wildfire at Fylingdales Moor in 2025, which caused massive disruption to residents and businesses, extensive damage to landscapes, wildlife habitats and farming land, and took a huge toll on fire and rescue service responders and wider partners.
Council leader Cllr Carl Les, whose responsibilities include emergency planning, said: “North Yorkshire is home to some of the country’s most beautiful and treasured landscapes, and we want everyone to enjoy them safely.
“Sadly, despite last year’s major incident at Fylingdales Moor, we continue to get reports of campfires being lit and left smouldering. There is understandable fear in some communities that there could be a repeat of last summer’s fire.
“These new roadside warning signs provide a clear reminder that fires, barbecues and other open flames have no place in our countryside. We know only too well how devastating they can be and how easily a wildfire can start.”
The cause of the Fylingdales Moor wildfire in summer 2025 is believed to have been cooking using a naked flame, such as a campfire or gas burner. Tinder-dry conditions on the North York Moors contributed to the scale and impact of the fire, which at its height covered 20 square kilometres — 10 times the size of the Great Fire of London.
Joel Brookfield, director of recreation and wellbeing at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: “While the term ‘wildfire’ might lead people to think that these events are natural or spontaneous, it’s the actions of people that pose the greatest risks.
“These highly visible signs will raise awareness of wildfire dangers and how everyone can reduce the risk, reinforcing the simple but vital messages at the heart of the Don’t Spark Disaster campaign.”
The campaign highlights how seemingly small actions — such as discarding cigarettes and leaving glass bottles, alongside lighting barbecues and campfires — can have devastating consequences for wildlife, landscapes, local communities and the emergency services.
Derek Twine, chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “Recent wildfires across the country have demonstrated just how quickly fire can spread across our uplands. By installing these signs at key locations around the Dales, we are reinforcing a simple but vital message — don’t spark disaster.
“Everyone coming into a National Park has a part to play in preventing wildfires by taking their litter home, disposing of cigarettes safely, and never lighting barbecues or campfires.”
Visitors are still being encouraged to get outdoors and make the most of all that North Yorkshire has to offer. The campaign has highlighted that there are plenty of options for picnics in the county that do not require on-site cooking, helping people enjoy a safe day out while reducing the risk of wildfires.
The campaign is being delivered by the North York Moors National Park Authority in partnership with North Yorkshire Council, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Forestry England and North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service.
