Superheroes of the moors

When people think of heroes, they may not picture upland ‘keepers. But when moorland wildfire tore across ten square miles of the North York Moors last August and September, threatening farms, businesses and homes, it was the knowledge and experience of local gamekeepers that helped stop it.

Wildfire on the ground

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.

The fire first broke out in the forestry before moving onto the moor. Although initially contained, it reignited and spread rapidly over the August Bank Holiday weekend, growing from 1,000 acres to 5,000 acres within hours.

Jeff Cairnduff, head keeper on nearby Sleights Moor, was among those called in to help tackle the moorland wildfire. He could see smoke from miles away before arriving on site for a second time, already aware the fire had breached control lines.

Standard firefighting methods had little effect on the burning peat. Keepers instead focused on directing the fire and containing it using the terrain.

In a critical moment, Jeff worked through the night in his tractor cutting firebreaks, while other keepers carried out controlled backburning and farmers supplied water from nearby sources. These actions helped stop the fire from spreading further and protect nearby homes and businesses.

Conditions on the ground were hazardous. In some areas, unexploded Second World War ordnance added to the danger, highlighting the risks faced by those working to contain the blaze.

Working with the fire service

Firefighters and farmers were central to the response, but it was the local expertise of keepers, working in extreme heat and dangerous conditions, that proved crucial in bringing the blaze under control.

The response required close cooperation with fire crews. Keepers had to explain and justify the use of controlled burning as a firefighting tool, despite initial hesitation.

Their local knowledge proved essential, from understanding how moorland wildfire behaves across the landscape to identifying access routes and water sources. In some cases, keepers were even called on to guide aerial firefighting efforts.

Specialist knowledge of tackling moorland wildfires at risk

Those on the ground warn that increasing restrictions on controlled burning could reduce the number of people with the skills needed to manage moorland safely.

BASC is among the organisations that have raised concerns about recent changes to burning regulations, including the extension of restrictions on peat depth. These measures, intended to protect peatlands, may increase the risk of moorland fires by limiting active management.

BASC head of uplands Alex Farrell said the policy is “contradictory and ill-conceived”, adding that those managing the uplands need practical tools to reduce fire risk, not fewer.

Lessons from the wildfire

The fire also exposed gaps in training and coordination. Keepers argue that practical experience is essential and cannot be replaced by classroom-based learning alone. They have offered to share their expertise with fire services, although progress has been slow.

Despite the risks, the response to the wildfire brought together farmers, keepers and local communities. People worked side by side to protect the landscape and nearby properties, using whatever resources they had available.

An avoidable blaze?

Six months on, recovery of the moorland continues. It could take up to 15 years for habitats to fully recover. The overall cost – including environmental damage, firefighting resources and economic loss – is estimated at £26m, with wildfires across the UK as a whole costing £460m in 2025.

Keepers involved in tackling the moorland fire believe the scale of the blaze was linked to a build-up of unmanaged fuel. High temperatures and strong winds created the conditions for rapid spread, but the lack of active management made the situation worse.

A growing threat

With hotter, drier conditions becoming more common, the risk of large-scale wildfires is increasing.

Those who manage the uplands warn that without regular management, including controlled burning where appropriate, similar incidents are likely to happen again.

This article was first published in Shooting and Conservation magazine. Read it in full, and other features you may have missed, here.