29 July 2026

Luke Myer MP has backed fresh warnings over the growing risk of wildfires across the North York Moors after fire services, councils and national park authorities stepped up campaigns urging people to leave disposable barbecues at home.

The renewed warnings come almost a year after the devastating Fylingdales Moor wildfire, the largest in the history of the North York Moors National Park, which destroyed thousands of hectares of moorland and peatland, and required a huge emergency response involving firefighters, farmers, volunteers and local businesses.

Since then, the Labour Government has announced £3.2 million to help restore the damaged landscape, while local organisations have launched the Don’t Spark Disaster campaign to help prevent another major fire.

Cleveland Fire Brigade has also stepped up its work, launching its Food For Thought campaign encouraging families to swap disposable barbecues for picnics, while crews have been installing temporary Extreme Fire Risk warning signs across parks, woodlands and other vulnerable locations. The campaign reminds visitors that a single spark can have devastating consequences for wildlife, communities and emergency services, and asks people not to light fires or camping stoves, to dispose of litter safely, and to report any signs of fire immediately.

Luke is a member of the cross-party group in Parliament campaigning on wildfires, working with neighbouring MP Alison Hume. During last summer’s wildfire he paid tribute in Parliament to the firefighters, farmers, volunteers and businesses who helped tackle the blaze. Working with other MPs, he is examining how Government can strengthen prevention, resilience and emergency coordination.

Luke Myer MP said:

“The North York Moors are one of our greatest local treasures and last year’s wildfire showed just how quickly one careless moment can cause enormous damage.

“It’s encouraging to see organisations right across our area working together to reduce the risk this summer. The message is straightforward: leave disposable barbecues at home, take a picnic instead, and help protect our countryside.

“Thank you to our brave firefighters who keep our communities, wildlife and landscapes safe every day. Every one of us has a part to play in making sure they don’t have to deal with fires that could easily have been prevented.”