Major incident declared as wildfires burn on moors near Fylingdales early warning base

A major incident has been declared by the fire service as a moorland blaze close to RAF Fylingdales continues to spread.

Emergency crews have been working for four days to contain the fast-spreading blaze in the North Yorkshire moors, with strong winds and tinder-dry conditions fuelling the fire.

A large-scale emergency response by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service continues at the scene of the wildfire on Langdale Moor, near the ballistic missile early warning base.

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An Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team is on the scene because a disused Army range is affected, and warnings are in place of explosions as the fires spread, with extra safety precautions for crews.

BFBS Forces News understands restrictions are also in place for the use of ammunition and other ordnance, munitions and explosives (OME) at Catterick training area due to the heightened wildfire risk in the area.

Crews continue to tackle moorland blaze

On Thursday morning, 11 appliances were reported at the scene, along with three Argocats, a multi-terrain vehicle fitted with a fire fogging system and the ability to produce foam, also present.

In a joint statement, David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, said: "We are aware of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service's declaration of a major incident for the fire at Langdale Moor and continue to monitor the situation.

"We encourage the public to avoid the area and follow the latest advice from the fire service, which can be found on their website.

"We want to thank the firefighters, emergency service workers and partner agencies for their response to this incident."

About the base

RAF Fylingdales in North Yorkshire provides a continuous ballistic missile early warning service to the UK and US governments, ensuring a surprise missile attack cannot succeed.

The radar is capable of tracking objects, including satellites and debris, 3,000 miles into space.

Approximately 320 service personnel, Ministry of Defence Police, and civilian staff work on site.

RAF Fylingdales falls under UK Space Command, with No 2 Space Warning Squadron based there.