Wild Fire Dangers

Police and Fire were called to a fire above Settle on the 14th August 2026.  Fire had to use 2000 litres of water to extinguish the flames and burning embers to prevent the fire restarting.  The location was not easy to access. This fire was started intentionally, and others have been lit in the same area in recent weeks. The motivation for the fire is unclear, but fire brigade can confirm that if they hadn't attended, then a large scale disaster could have occurred.  The fire was unattended and uncontrolled when emergency services arrived.

Please do not light fires or barbeques.  Extinguish cigarettes responsibly.  

Whilst Fire are dealing with these irresponsible acts, they are not available for other incidents such as car accidents and house fires.  

Out of control fires have an enormous impact with far reaching devastation for people and property, farmland, crops and farm animals, forestry, flora and fauna, wildlife and habitats to name a few as well as the huge environmental impacts.  Out of control fires can reach homes and cause a danger to us all.   It has happened and it is happening! 

Please follow the Government Advice, and help keep everyone safe.  These fires are a danger to life, lives and livelihoods. 

If you are concerned about a fire, please report it to to emergency services on 999.    

If you know anything about the fire on the 14th August, please contact PC 188 Jane CARPENTER on 101 or by emailing jane.carpenter@northyorkshire.police.uk

Please help us keep everyone safe - don't cause fires and if you see anything you think might be at risk, report it.