Residents and farmers are reflecting on the impact of a wildfire that broke out on Langdale Moor in the North York Moors National Park exactly 12 months ago. The blaze burned for 40 days, covering nearly 10 sq miles (25 sq km) at its peak.
Cara Shardlow, from Sneatonthorpe, recalled being put on standby for evacuation as the fire approached her farm. Farmers and gamekeepers assisted firefighters in clearing firebreaks and transporting water, while a local fundraiser, launched by Amy Cockrem, raised £70,000 to support those tackling the blaze and later help farmers with repairs and feed.
Lol Hodgson, chair of an environmental stewardship group, stated that about six miles (9.5km) of fencing have been replaced. He believes it could take five to 10 years for the moors to regenerate, with only about 400 of the original 1,700 sheep currently back on the moor.
Phil Turford, a farmer near Fylingdales, described fighting the fire for two weeks after high winds caused it to spread. His Swaledale sheep are still not back on the moors, requiring him to travel daily to feed them.
Caroline Butterfield, who runs Grouse Hill Caravan Park, said the site was evacuated and closed for 11 days. She praised the support from fire crews and the local community, who brought tractors with tankers to douse the flames.
An investigation by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service concluded the wildfire was likely caused by someone cooking with a naked flame. Cara Shardlow has since campaigned for more support for those affected by wildfires, noting that the government provided £3m for moorland restoration.