Extreme wildfire warning issued for all of Scotland

A “very high” risk wildfire warning has been issued for the whole of Scotland.

The warning takes effect on September 24 and 25 and escalates to an “extreme” risk on September 26.

Low-lying areas are at a lower risk, but the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has urged residents to still exercise extreme caution.

The alert marks the first time a wildfire warning has been issued in September since 2020.

The fire service said while wildfire alerts in early autumn are not unprecedented, this year’s warning reflects exceptional conditions across Scotland.

It is the thirteenth warning this year alone, which experts say is the most alerts issued in one year in recent times.

Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, while posing a threat to the welfare of nearby communities.

Fire crews remain on Arthur's Seat after wildfire breaks out — Fire crews remain on Arthur’s Seat after wildfire breaks out STV News

Previous blazes this year have already devastated parts of the country.

In April, a wildfire broke out on the Isle of Bute and burned for five days.

Richard Whitcomb, chair of Bute Community Forest, said the forest lost around eight hectares to the blaze.

In the same month, a second blaze broke out on the Isle of Arran and decimated the island’s reptile population, leaving hundreds dead.

In May, a disposable barbecue caused a blaze around the size of “two rugby pitches” in the Trossachs.

Woodland Trust Scotland said the two-hectare fire killed nesting birds and other wildlife in the Glen Finglas region of the national park.

SFRS group commander Serge Kabamba said: “Scotland has faced an unprecedented scale of wildfire risk this year.

“We recognise temperatures are dropping across the country and people might not think that the risk is there, however the effects of this year’s spring drought are still visible across the landscape, with dry soils and browned vegetation increasing the risk of fire.

“We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.

“Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.

“These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”