Langdale Moor wildfire contained after bombs detonate in blaze

A massive wildfire on Langdale Moor in the North York Moors has been successfully contained after an almost three-week battle that saw 19 buried Second World War bombs detonate in the fire zone.

The 25-square-kilometre blaze, which began on 11 August near RAF Fylingdales, posed unprecedented challenges as burning peat exposed ordnance from a 1940s tank training ground. Despite the explosive hazards forcing crews into defensive tactics, chief fire officer Jonathan Dyson confirmed successful containment on 29 August.

The Moorland Association praised the frontline response, noting that gamekeepers had “been on the front line from the outset – assisting fire crews and using their deep knowledge of the land to try to slow the spread”.

Firefighters from across England, including crews from as far as London, battled the flames alongside local farmers, gamekeepers and contractors who used tractors and water tanks to create firebreaks.

The organisation highlighted the incident’s broader implications, arguing it demonstrated “the urgent need for more proactive land management” and warning that “when controlled burning and other traditional techniques are restricted, dry vegetation builds up – creating a dangerous fuel load”.

The Moorland Association pledged to work with agencies to “ensure land managers have the tools and permissions they need to protect our moorlands from future wildfire disasters”.

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