People heading into North Yorkshire’s countryside are being urged not to light campfires or disposable barbecues after fresh concerns that another devastating wildfire could be sparked during the summer.
Roadside warning signs are being installed on key routes across the county as part of the Don’t Spark Disaster campaign, reminding residents and visitors of the dangers posed by open flames in tinder-dry landscapes.
The campaign follows last summer’s catastrophic wildfire on Fylingdales Moor, which is believed to have been caused by cooking over a naked flame such as a campfire or gas burner.
At its height, the blaze covered around 20 square kilometres – an area said to be 10 times the size of the Great Fire of London – causing widespread damage to moorland, wildlife habitats and farmland, while disrupting local communities and businesses.
North Yorkshire Council leader Cllr Carl Les said there remained real concern that history could repeat itself.
“North Yorkshire is home to some of the country’s most beautiful and treasured landscapes, and we want everyone to enjoy them safely,” he said.
“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.”
The campaign also warns that discarded cigarettes, glass bottles and other litter can all increase the risk of wildfires, particularly during prolonged periods of dry weather.
Joel Brookfield, director of recreation and wellbeing at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said most wildfires were caused by human activity rather than natural events.
“While the term ‘wildfire’ might lead people to think these events are natural or spontaneous, it’s the actions of people that pose the greatest risks,” he said.
Derek Twine, chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said recent fires across the country had shown how quickly flames could spread across upland landscapes.
“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,” he said.
Despite the warning, visitors are still being encouraged to enjoy North Yorkshire’s countryside, with the campaign promoting picnics that do not require on-site cooking as a safer way to spend time outdoors.
The Don’t Spark Disaster campaign is being delivered by the North York Moors National Park Authority, North Yorkshire Council, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Forestry England and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
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