Scotland at 'very high' wildfire risk from Wednesday

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A fire believed to be caused by human activity erupted on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh on Sunday, prompting the issuance of the 10th wildfire warning for most of Scotland this year. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has advised against using open flames outdoors during this “very high” wildfire risk period, effective for seven days starting Wednesday. Firefighters responded to a significant gorse blaze on the iconic Edinburgh landmark over the weekend, with suspicions pointing towards human involvement as the cause.

This incident follows a string of wildfires that have plagued various regions of Scotland in recent months, inflicting severe damage on the natural landscape. The upcoming alert will be in effect in eastern Scotland from Wednesday to Friday before extending its coverage to include both the east and west of the country between August 16 and 17. Subsequently, from Monday to Tuesday next week, the warning will encompass the majority of Scotland, spanning across the east, west, central belt, and southern uplands.

Scottish Land and Estates disclosed last month that the wildfires in Carrbridge and Dava in the Highlands were the largest ever recorded in Scotland. Additional incidents have been documented in locations such as Perthshire, Arran, Thurso, Cumbernauld, and the Pentland Hills in Edinburgh since April. With rising temperatures and parched conditions prevailing across the nation, the potential for fire outbreaks remains heightened. SFRS group commander Niall MacLennan emphasized that “the vast majority” of wildfires are sparked by human activities, underscoring the importance of responsible behavior to mitigate the risk of such incidents. He urged the public to refrain from using portable barbecues, discarding cigarettes on the ground, or igniting campfires near vegetation, as these actions significantly elevate the chances of wildfires igniting

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