The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, working with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, issued a wildfire warning across Scotland that came into force on Wednesday 24 September 2025, the service announced on 23 September1. A "very high" wildfire risk warning was in place from Wednesday 24 to Thursday 25 September, escalating to an "extreme" risk on Friday 26 September, marking the first September wildfire warning since 20201.
The service said it was the thirteenth wildfire warning of 2025, the most wildfire warnings issued in one year in recent times1. It said this year's spring drought is still visible across the landscape, with dry soils and browned vegetation increasing the risk of fire1. Low-lying areas are at a lower risk, but the service said residents there should still exercise extreme caution during this period1.
SFRS Group Commander Serge Kabamba said:
"We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame."
He also said it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code1. The service said wildfires can burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, and that many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage1.
| Period | Wildfire risk level across Scotland |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 24 to Thursday 25 September 2025 | Very high |
| Friday 26 September 2025 | Extreme |
Why it matters for households
The warning covers Scotland as a whole, with lower risk in low-lying areas, and runs from 24 to 26 September 20251. The service attributes the elevated risk to dry soils and browned vegetation left by this year's spring drought, and notes that dropping temperatures do not remove the risk1. It asks the public to exercise extreme caution and to think twice before using anything involving a naked flame, and to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code in rural environments1. The service points to its own wildfire prevention and safety advice and to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code for further guidance1. Practical background on how fires start and spread, and on prevention, is set out in the guide to wildfires and grass fires, within the wider heatwaves and drought section.
What happens next
The warning escalates from very high to extreme on Friday 26 September 20251. No end date beyond that, and no further warnings, have been reported.
Wildfires and Grass Fires
