Yorkshire Water funds all-terrain vehicle to help NYFRS fight moorland fires

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (NYFRS)  have a new all-terrain vehicle and Fogger courtesy of a £30,000 contribution from Yorkshire Water, as part of its commitment to the North Yorkshire Wildfire Group (NYWG).

The vehicle’s offroad capability means it can cope with the rugged and isolated terrain of the North Yorkshire Moors that standard fire appliances cannot reach.  The Fogger unit is fitted with a fire fogging, water-misting system, which can also produce foam and the lighter, agile truck will allow NYFRS to respond quickly and effectively to moorland fires in previously hard-to reach areas.

Lisa Harrowsmith, land & property lead surveyor, Yorkshire Water, said:  “Our £30,000 contribution towards the all-terrain vehicle and fire fogging unit will support the development and upskilling of wildfire stations in North Yorkshire and enhance our ability to control wildfires.

“This will help to protect the work and management taking place in the uplands which are so important for water quality, flood management, nature, agriculture and the rural economy, which can easily be destroyed by wildfires.”

This new unit will be stationed at Leyburn  and is an addition to North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service’s moorland capability.  Perfectly adapted for rugged terrain the new all-terrain vehicle and fogger unit will help fire crews get to moor blazes with speed and tackle moorland fires before they get out of hand.

Area Manager Tom Hirst of North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Services, said:  “Over recent years there has been an increase in the number of wildfire incidents attended by fire and rescue services nationally.

“Within our area we have the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and forestry and farm land which are all at risk from fire. These fires, when they do occur, are often unpredictable and can require a lot of fire service resources and time.  

“Thanks to the support from Yorkshire Water we have been able to purchase an additional all-terrain vehicle and Wildfire Control misting unit. We now have three wildfire units, one is based at Skipton fire station, one at Kirkbymoorside fire station and the new one is centrally placed at Leyburn fire station, with easy access to road networks to enable it to respond wherever it may be needed within North Yorkshire and York.

“We  are extremely grateful for the support from Yorkshire Water as this additional resource will assist us in dealing with wildfire incidents to protect the local environment and communities.”

Members of the North Yorkshire Wildfire Group (NYWG) include Yorkshire Water, NYFRS, Nidderdale National Landscape, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North York Moors National Park, Natural England and The Moorland Association.

Their partnership work includes producing fire plans and maps for specifically designated rural areas.  Developing joint working practices and joint operating procedures to create and effective response to wildfires.  Joint training to enhance awareness and effectiveness in managing wildfire with particular emphasis on safe working practices and provide advice and support for rural communities on wildfire related issues.