Warnings of very high risk of wildfire issued for coming days as temperatures rise
The first wildfire warnings of the new season have been issued
The fire service has warned of an “extreme” and “very high” risk of wildfire in parts of Scotland in the coming days following dry weather.
A warning of a very high risk of wildfire in western Scotland came into force on Thursday and will increase to an “extreme” risk alert from Friday until Sunday.
Loch Lomond National Park has warned visitors to be extra vigilant to the risk of wildfires ahead of what is likely to be a busy weekend as temperatures rise to 19C on Friday and 17C on Saturday at the beauty spot.
In central and eastern Scotland, a very high risk of wildfire warning will be in place from Friday until Sunday.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Wildfire Forum have urged people to avoid lighting outdoor fires in those areas.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour, the fire service head of prevention and chairman of the forum, said: “Wildfires have the potential to destroy property, landscapes and wildlife, which is why it is so important that members of the public use extreme caution under these conditions.
“People living in the impacted areas should avoid lighting outdoor fires and be mindful that one spark can spread, causing a large amount of damage.
“Remember, there’s no such thing as a harmless fire.
“Share wildfire warnings with your family, friends, and visitors.
The wildfire warning is the first of the new season following an extremely challenging year for the fire service and affected communities in 2025.
Firefighters spent more than 100 days battling wildfires as the number of blazes across Scotland soared to record numbers last year.
Research found 239 separate wildfire emergencies last year, quadruple that of the previous year, as the whole UK endured unusually dry spring and summer months.
As well as the number of fires, the pressure they placed on resources also broke new records.
Firefighters were detained for more than 2,500 hours in total as the flames threatened to wreck countryside and wildlife, and posed major threats to rural settlements.
Lyndsey Dodds, policy and advocacy manager at WWF Scotland, said the new wildfire warnings were “concerning”.
She said: “Our increasingly unpredictable weather is undoubtedly playing a part in creating perfect burning conditions, which is having a devastating impact on nature and people.
“The next Scottish government must take control and meet the climate crisis head-on. We don’t need any more warm words – we need urgent and targeted action.
“These fires not only destroy valuable habitats but threaten the livelihoods of thousands who rely on the land.”
Jim Downie, ranger service manager at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said climate change means Scotland faces a “serious and escalating threat from extreme weather events, including wildfires”.
He continued: “As we face drier, more fire-prone conditions, we urge everyone to act responsibly.
“During high-risk wildfire periods, as is the case this weekend, please avoid using any naked flames, including disposable barbecues, and ensure waste such as cigarette butts are properly disposed of.
“We also urge anyone who witnesses a wildfire to call 999 immediately, never assume someone else has already done so.
“Last year alone, wildfires destroyed thousands of hectares of peatland, woodland and moorland habitats.
“They disrupted lives and livelihoods, released vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, and destroyed in moments what nature had taken centuries to create.
“Please enjoy your visit to the national park, but please do so safely and responsibly.”
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