Fear grows in North Yorkshire as danger of wildfires from barbecues and campfires is highlighted

North Yorkshire Council is launching new road signs warning residents of the extreme risk of wildfires from campfires and disposable barbecues.

Road signs on key routes across the county will be put in place during the rest of the summer to reinforce the message of the Don't Spark Disaster campaign in the midst of tinder-dry conditions and a record-breaking heatwave.

The launch of the campaign follows recent wildfires in several parts of the UK, including Wales and the Cairngorms, and in France and Spain.

So far in 2026, fire and rescue services in England and Wales have responded to 706 wildfires, with 208 incidents recorded between July 16 and 28 alone, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

Firefighters bravery - Flashback to last August when North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service had to tackle a catastrophic wildfire at Fylingdales Moors in North Yorkshire. (Picture Paul Edwards)

North Yorkshire Council’s new wildfires warning also follows ongoing reports of campfires being lit in wooded and moorland areas of North Yorkshire, posing a serious risk to the environment, wildlife and the firefighters responding, as well as to local communities and property.

North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Coun Carl Les, whose responsibilities include emergency planning, said: “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.”

Last August saw a catastrophic wildfire at Fylingdales Moors in North Yorkshire.

At its peak, the fire covered around 25 square kilometres of moorland and forestry across Fylingdales Moor and the surrounding Langdale Forest.

The director of recreation and wellbeing at the North York Moors National Park Authority, Joel Brookfield, said: "The new campaign highlights how seemingly small actions - such as discarding cigarettes and leaving glass bottles behind alongside lighting barbecues and campfires - can have devastating consequences for wildlife, landscapes, local communities and the emergency services.