The Langdale Forest/Fylingdales Moor wildfire was declared a major incident on 12 August 2025 and is the biggest fire in the history of the North York Moors National Park. At its peak, the boundary of the fire measured around 20 square kilometres and roads in the area were closed due to smoke and to allow emergency access. The major incident status was de-escalated on 23 September, with active firefighting operations slowly transitioning into a coordinated phase of damage assessments, clean-up and long-term restoration planning across the affected area.
Public Rights of Way across Fylingdales Moor were reopened on 5 December 2025, this includes the Coast to Coast and Lyke Wake Walk routes. The temporary suspension to Open Access also expired on this date.
Latest information and advice
Former military training area: Do not touch metal objects
The intense heat of the wildfire detonated more than 20 explosive devices on Fylingdales Moor that had previously lain dormant beneath the ground. There have been no further explosions since the major incident status was stepped down in September, however, the loss of surface peat and vegetation has exposed further historic military debris. While most of these items are harmless, there remains a serious risk that unexploded ordnance (UXO) remains present.
Disturbing the ground is extremely dangerous, please keep to the path and remain vigilant.
If you encounter a suspicious metal object:
- Do NOT touch it
- Note the exact location (preferably using What3Words)
- Report it immediately by dialling 999 and asking for the police
Help protect a fragile, recovering landscape
Although Open Access has been reinstated, the moorland environment is badly damaged and extremely fragile. Large areas of bare peat and exposed archaeology are at immediate risk of further erosion, particularly in wet, wintery conditions. To support recovery efforts, visitors are asked to:
- Keep to the most obvious and well-defined paths
- Avoid creating new routes or widening existing ones
- Keep dogs on a lead or under close control
- Do not move stones, artefacts or other natural materials
Respecting any advisory signs is essential to protect both public safety and the long-term health of the Fylingdales Moor area.
Restoration work and recovery efforts
The North York Moors National Park Authority is working closely with land managers, conservation partners and North Yorkshire Council through the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum.
With access now reinstated, the area is being fully surveyed with a view to recording archaeological sites and prioritising restoration work to stabilise exposed peat and prevent further environmental deterioration. Further updates and information about ongoing recovery and restoration works will be shared here as these plans develop.
Further information on support available can be found on the North Yorkshire Council website.