The North York Moors National Park Authority has welcomed new Government commitments to tackling wildfires, announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the National Wildfires Summit in Liverpool on Friday 23 October.
The measures include £25 million for peatland restoration, improved aerial firefighting capability and consideration of tougher restrictions on products that can start fires during periods of high wildfire risk.
Tom Hind, Chief Executive of the North York Moors National Park Authority, attended the summit following the devastating Fylingdales Moor wildfire in summer 2025. Recovery and restoration work is now under way across the affected area.
Tom said:
“I’m heartened by the significant steps forward announced by the Prime Minister today in tackling this very real and present threat to our most treasured of landscapes.
“This should start with reducing the likelihood of ignition. Whilst we want people to enjoy National Parks, it’s also vital we inform and educate around the risks from activities such as campfires, portable barbecues, fireworks and discarded cigarettes, alongside any legislative role from the government.
“Seasonal restrictions on items like disposable barbecues have been effective in some National Parks, but the risk is increasingly year-round. The temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues announced by the Prime Minister in August was very welcome as it sent a clear signal, but a permanent ban would be better for our National Parks.
“The way that land is managed in National Parks and National Landscapes is key to reducing the risk of wildfire. We need more resilient ecosystems to meet our multiple climate challenges. This means using a range of tools where appropriate, from re-wetting to peatland restoration, strategic firebreaks through cutting and burning, as well as pond construction. We also need to grow more structural diversity into our landscapes so they become less combustible.
“We can only do this by working with farmers and other land managers, rewarding and incentivising them to manage land for nature and climate resilience.”
To read the full press release from National Parks England, please visit nationalparksengland.org.uk
Last updated: 23 Oct 2026