A devastating wildfire has been raging across Langdale Moor near RAF Fylingdales for two weeks, forcing dramatic evacuations and sparking an extraordinary community response. Local farmers, equestrian centres and residents have united to rescue both people and animals from the path of the flames that continue to threaten North Yorkshire moorland.
The blaze first ignited on August 12 and has left devastation across the moor despite firefighters previously bringing it under control. After smouldering over the weekend, the fire reignited and now requires a massive emergency response with nine fire crews, specialist teams, North Yorkshire Police and Mountain Rescue all deployed to the scene.
Major road closures remain in place on the A171 between Scarborough and Whitby as thick smoke blocks drivers' vision and flames cross dangerously close to the carriageway. North Yorkshire Police are diverting all traffic away from the affected area to prevent accidents and allow emergency services unrestricted access.
The scale of the emergency has prompted the evacuation of the Woodsmith Mine as a precautionary measure, with only a skeleton crew remaining on site. Caravan sites in the area have also been cleared as the fire continues to pose an immediate threat to both residential and industrial areas.
Community Heroes
Borrowby Equestrian Centre has emerged as a beacon of community spirit, offering free temporary housing for horses in immediate danger from the advancing flames. In a heartfelt Facebook post, the centre said: "If anyone affected by the fire in Whitby needs to move their horses, you can bring them here. I don't want livery money for that when you have already paid livery to yards that are watching them - that fire comes straight at them."
The equestrian centre's staff have been praised for their readiness to accommodate emergency arrivals, with owners telling horse owners: "If you need to get out of the fire just turn up, my staff are incredible they will just accommodate you and my horses can have a couple of weeks in the field."
Local farmers and contractors have abandoned their daily work to support firefighting efforts, bringing heavy machinery including diggers and trucks to create vital firebreaks. These physical barriers remove combustible materials that fuel the fire's spread, helping to slow or halt its advance while creating safer zones for firefighters to operate.
Widespread Evacuation Effort
Social media has become a crucial coordination tool, with villagers using platforms to offer temporary housing for animals outside the fire risk zone. Holiday let owners have been forced to evacuate their guests to safety as the flames continue their unpredictable path across the moorland.
Fire crews from Yorkshire and neighbouring Lancashire are working around the clock to contain what has been described as "one of the toughest" blazes they have ever encountered. Community members are also helping by sharing urgent safety updates, including reminders to keep windows closed against smoke and avoid travelling near road closure areas.
The two-week duration of the fire demonstrates the persistent threat facing the North York Moors area, with emergency services maintaining high alert status as they battle to bring the situation under control.
Sources used: "Yorkshire", "YorkshirePost", "Express" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
