The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) warned on 18 April 2023 that Central and Southern Scotland would be subject to an extreme risk of wildfire from 19 to 21 April, with a very high risk rating in place across the North of the country over the same period1.
The service said a mixture of strong winds, rising temperatures and low humidity levels had seen the risk of wildfire increase considerably, and that Spring conditions combined with large areas of dead grass and vegetation meant a heightened risk of ignition1. It said many wildfires are started deliberately or are due to careless, reckless or irresponsible behaviour, and that this risk peaks during early Spring1.
| Area | Wildfire risk rating, 19 to 21 April 2023 |
|---|---|
| Central and Southern Scotland | Extreme |
| North of Scotland | Very high |
People who live, work or are visiting rural areas in particular were urged to exercise the utmost caution to avoid fires breaking out1. The SFRS recently launched a prevention campaign called "Care for your Countryside"1.
"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."
Station Commander John Harvey said the threat of wildfire is very real and asked communities to act safely and responsibly while in the countryside, adding that wildfire can devastate large areas of environment and wildlife and has the potential to spread to nearby communities1.
Why it matters for households
The warning covers households in Central and Southern Scotland, where the risk is rated extreme, and in the North, where it is rated very high, from 19 to 21 April 20231. The service's advice is aimed particularly at people who live, work or are visiting rural areas, who are urged to exercise the utmost caution to avoid fires breaking out1. The SFRS asks people to act responsibly outdoors, dispose of cigarettes carefully and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame1. It points to further information on reducing the risk of wildfire on its website1. The service notes that wildfire can spread to nearby communities1. Practical guidance on preventing grass and countryside fires is set out in the guide to wildfires and grass fires, part of the heatwaves and drought section.
What happens next
The warning covers the period from 19 to 21 April 20231. No further update beyond that period has been reported.
Wildfires and Grass Fires
