THERE is a “very high risk” of wildfires breaking out across Scotland, fire chiefs have warned.
Firefighters have issued warnings saying major blazes could be sparked despite colder conditions.
Fire chiefs have said there is a high risk of wildfires[/caption]
Warnings are in place for the north and east of Scotland over the coming days[/caption]
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said people should avoid lighting any fires outdoors[/caption]
Human behaviour is the cause of most wildfires in Scotland[/caption]
Warnings of a “very high” risk of wildfires are in place for the north and east of Scotland over the coming days.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said people should avoid lighting any fires outdoors between Saturday March 1 and Wednesday March 5.
The affected areas include the northern parts of the Highlands, Grampian, Fife and the east coast stretching down to the Borders.
The “very high” risk warning is the first wildfire alert issued in 2025
Alongside the Scottish Wildlife Forum, the SFRS says fires can easily be fuelled by bone-dry vegetation even in cold conditions.
A winter wildfire engulfed a hill in Perthshire last February.
The blaze roared across the hills above Abernethy, as the flames were fanned by strong winds.
Area commander Michael Humphreys said: “During any period of heightened risk, fires can ignite easily, spread very quickly, and burn with high intensity.
“At this time of year in early spring, even when the weather is still bitterly cold in some areas, we typically have a large volume of dead, bone-dry vegetation across large areas of countryside. This essentially acts as a fuel for fire.
“There are currently vast areas that are tinder dry and vulnerable, which provides all the ingredients for fire to take hold and spread.”
He added: “Human behaviour is the cause of most wildfires in Scotland, so it is imperative we all act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors over the coming days and weeks ahead.
“By following some simple but key advice, we can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire occurring.”
The fire service has issued wildfire warnings in recent years as chances of the ferocious blazes grew.
In April 2022, a wildfire on Kyle of Lochalsh resulted in apocalyptic scenes.
Freak heatwaves may spark American-style forest fires in Scotland
BY CHRIS TAYLOR
EXTREME wildfires caused by global warming could threaten homes and protected species every year, experts warn.
Scientists fear freak heatwaves may spark disasters that decimate wildlife and habitats on a scale similar to infernos in America.
Mary Church, of campaign group Friends of the Earth Scotland, warned that rising global temperatures caused by fossil fuel use pose a long-term risk of more severe fires.
She said: “The recent spate of wildfires, and the fire service’s warning of extreme risk of more, must serve as another stark reminder that the climate crisis is here and demands urgent, radical action.
“Firefighters’ lives and local peoples’ health are put at risk by these fires, and the impact on nature can be severe.
“Climate science has long predicted that fires of this kind would become more intense and more frequent as we continue to burn fossil fuels and our planet warms.
“Like many of the temperature records we see broken repeatedly, the grim reality is it’s likely only a matter of time before there’s an even more dangerous wildfire.”
It is thought that it started on a large patch of heather and went on to stretch three miles long.
The SFRS also deployed hose reel jets, beaters and backpack sprayers as well as other emergency apparatus to control the fire.
In 2018, a casualty had to be rescued during a 10-hour blaze which engulfed Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
A firefighter at a wildfire near Kingston in Moray[/caption]
