Heightened risk of wildfires prompts warning to 'act responsibly'

From Wednesday until Friday, central and southern Scotland will be subject to an extreme risk of wildfire.

Heightened risk of wildfires in Scotland prompts warning to ‘act responsibly’ from fire service — People who live, work or are visiting rural areas, in particular, are being urged to exercise the utmost caution to avoid fires breaking out. iStock

18th Apr 2023

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is urging people to act responsibly while in the countryside as the threat of wildfire spikes in regions across the country.

From Wednesday until Friday, central and southern Scotland will be subject to an extreme risk of wildfire. A very high-risk rating will also be in place across the north of the country.

A mixture of strong winds, rising temperatures and low humidity levels has seen the risk of wildfire increase considerably. The spring conditions combined with large areas of dead grass and vegetation means a heightened risk of ignition.

Many wildfires are started deliberately or are due to careless, reckless or irresponsible behaviour and that risk peaks during early spring.

People who live, work or are visiting rural areas, in particular, are being urged to exercise the utmost caution to avoid fires breaking out.

The SFRS recently launched its new prevention campaign called ‘Care for your Countryside’

SFRS station commander, John Harvey said: “The threat of wildfire is very real, and we would therefore ask our communities to act safely and responsibly while in the countryside.

“Wildfire can devastate large areas of our environment and wildlife and has the potential to spread to nearby communities.

“We are asking people to act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors, dispose of cigarettes carefully and please think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.”