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In the heart of Edinburgh, a significant fire broke out on Arthur’s Seat, leading to suspicions of human involvement, according to a Scottish Fire and Rescue service group commander. Neil MacLennan stated that while the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, the possibility of it being a deliberate act cannot be dismissed. The blaze, which quickly spread across the hill in Holyrood Park on Sunday afternoon, was eventually brought under control overnight, with the evacuation of the area to ensure the safety of individuals as the flames spread.
Arthur’s Seat, a popular spot in Edinburgh offering panoramic views of the city, found itself engulfed in flames on Sunday. Mr. MacLennan described the fire as “challenging,” spreading rapidly through gorse and heather on the steep hillside. He emphasized the likelihood of human interference in the fire’s ignition, as it is rare for natural wildfires to occur in the region. The risk posed by human behavior in a busy area like Arthur’s Seat increases the susceptibility to such fires, as experienced in this recent incident.
Located near the Scottish Parliament, Arthur’s Seat overlooks Edinburgh and has seen its fair share of fire-related incidents. In February 2019, firefighters battled a large gorse blaze through the night to extinguish the flames that threatened the hill. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been on high alert this year due to several wildfire warnings issued amidst a particularly warm and dry summer. The country has witnessed massive wildfires in moorland areas such as Carrbridge and Dava in the Highlands, deemed as some of the worst wildfires Scotland has ever encountered.
Professor Rory Hadden, chair of fire science at the University of Edinburgh, highlighted the increase in human-caused wildfires in Scotland, attributing them to mistakes made by individuals in the countryside. As wildfires become more prevalent, larger, and harder to contain, climate change plays a significant role with extreme heat during summers and milder winter temperatures contributing to the growth of more vegetation, serving as fuel for fires. Moreover, changes in land use practices like rewilding and rural depopulation have added to the factors intensifying wildfire incidents. The fire service mobilized resources promptly to Arthur’s Seat on Sunday evening, with two appliances continuing to monitor the situation on Monday
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