The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) issued an "extreme" wildfire warning for Inverness-shire and across large parts of northern Scotland, in place for Saturday 11 May1. Much of the rest of Scotland remained at "very high" risk on the same day1.
The service attributed the conditions to a combination of high temperatures, low humidity and strengthening winds, with the weather pattern over the following days dominated by high pressure1. It said that at this time of year, in mid-Spring, there is a lot of dead vegetation left over from last year which can dry very quickly and act as fuel for wildfires to spread1.
Group Commander Niall MacLennan, a SFRS wildfire tactical advisor, said fine fuels in the countryside dry quickly in these conditions and that a naked flame in contact with the vegetation could spread rapidly1. He also said wildfires place a significant demand on the emergency service1.
"We must ask that people behave responsibly and to please think twice before using any naked flames."
The service urged those entering Scotland's countryside this week to act with caution and avoid any naked flames1. It said it anticipated large volumes of people would enter the countryside over the weekend of warm weather1.
| Area | Wildfire risk level | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Inverness-shire and large parts of northern Scotland | Extreme | Saturday 11 May |
| Much of the rest of Scotland | Very high | Saturday 11 May |
Why it matters for households
The warning covers Inverness-shire and large parts of northern Scotland for Saturday 11 May, with much of the rest of Scotland at very high risk on the same day1. The service links the risk to high temperatures, low humidity and strengthening winds, and to dead vegetation left from last year that dries quickly and acts as fuel1. Its advice to those entering the countryside this week is to act with caution and avoid any naked flames, and it asks people to think twice before using any naked flames1. The service says human behaviour plays a significant role in preventing wildfires and that wildfires can damage the environment, wildlife and nearby communities and place significant demand on the emergency service1. Practical background on risk and prevention is set out in the guide to wildfires and grass fires, part of the wider heatwaves and drought section.
What happens next
The warning is in place for Saturday 11 May1. The service said the weather pattern over the next few days is dominated by high pressure1. No further warning dates or updates beyond Saturday 11 May have been reported1.
Wildfires and Grass Fires
