13 September 2024
On Wednesday 4 September, fire crews attended a fire in woodland between Egton Bridge and Glaisdale. It had been burning for around three weeks before it was discovered and was found to have been caused by a campfire that was not extinguished properly.
In response to the incident, Joel Brookfield, Director of Recreation and Wellbeing at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said:
"We are dismayed by the recent damage to a cherished North York Moors woodland, caused by an unauthorised campfire. Despite our ongoing reminders and clear warnings regarding the risks of wildfire, this careless act has resulted in significant harm to an acre of conservation woodland.
"This incident, which saw the fire burning for weeks before being discovered, is sadly just the latest in a worrisome string of examples of anti-social behaviour in the countryside. Camping without permission of the landowner is against the law, and ‘fly-camping’ – where people actively harm a site and leave rubbish and waste – is criminal damage.
"We urge everyone to respect our National Parks and all those who are working and volunteering to care for these special places. Please take all litter and belongings home with you and do not light fires or barbecues in woodlands or during periods of fire risk. Your actions could unintentionally lead to serious legal and environmental consequences."
North Yorkshire Police issued the following press statement:
We’re reminding visitors to North Yorkshire’s national parks about unauthorised camping and irresponsible fires after an acre of conservation woodland was badly damaged. It happened on the North York Moors after a campfire was not extinguished properly. A police investigation has been launched.
On Wednesday (4 September) fire crews attended the blaze between Egton Bridge and Glaisdale after it spread over the dry woodland ground. The historic woodland had been burning for around three weeks before it was discovered.
Fire crews from Scarborough, Goathland and Whitby stations attended to extinguish the fire and were joined by local estate volunteers, working for several hours ferrying water in difficult to access areas on steep terrain.
This incident has caused great concern to local residents and the landowner, who is distraught by the careless damage caused to the picturesque woodland that is maintained as a conservation habitat for rare and endangered wildlife.
The landowner has said that nobody had permission to camp on his land or start any fires. People have ignored the ‘private land’ signs and locked gates to access the woodland. Several items of litter were left at the scene and unauthorised camps were dismantled.
The land owner has reported an increasing amount of damage and unauthorised camping on their land in recent years, prompting police to remind visitors to enjoy national parks legally and responsibly.
We encourage people to enjoy the outdoors and to get out and explore the countryside, but to respect the landscape and wildlife which make these places their home.
Camping in the North York Moors National Park is not allowed without prior landowner permission. Everyone should take all their litter, camping equipment and other items home and refrain from lighting fires or barbecues, otherwise you may end up being prosecuted for a criminal offence.
Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1 and provide reference 12240164710. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.