The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) issued a wildfire warning on 12 August 2025 stating that a "very high" risk of wildfire would come into effect from Wednesday 13 August and remain in place until Tuesday 19 August1. The alert covers eastern areas first, widening to eastern and western areas and then most of Scotland1.
The affected areas are set out by date:
| Dates | Areas affected |
|---|---|
| 13-15 August | Eastern areas |
| 16-17 August | Eastern and western areas |
| 18-19 August | Most of Scotland, including east, west, central belt and southern uplands |
The SFRS said this latest alert is the eleventh so far this year1. It said wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife1.
Group Commander Niall MacLennan, one of the SFRS Wildfire Tactical Advisers, said:
"During periods when the risk of wildfires is high, we want people to avoid using portable barbecues, discarding cigarettes on the ground or lighting campfires in or near areas of vegetation as these all pose a significant threat."
He added that the vast majority of wildfires are started by human behaviour, so acting responsibly can lower the chance of a fire starting in the first place, and asked the public to help protect remote and rural communities, who can be hugely impacted by wildfires, by following the safety advice and being familiar with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code1. The SFRS said it urges the public to avoid the use of naked flames outdoors1. Wildfire prevention and safety advice is published on the SFRS website, and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code is available online1.
Why it matters for households
The warning applies to households in eastern areas of Scotland from 13 to 15 August, to eastern and western areas from 16 to 17 August, and to most of Scotland, including the central belt and southern uplands, from 18 to 19 August1. The SFRS advice during periods of high wildfire risk is to avoid portable barbecues, discarding cigarettes on the ground, and lighting campfires in or near areas of vegetation1. The service states that most wildfires are started by human behaviour and that acting responsibly can lower the chance of a fire starting1. It also states that remote and rural communities can be hugely impacted by wildfires1. Further background on how wildfires start and spread is set out in the guide to wildfires and grass fires, within the wider heatwaves and drought section.
What happens next
The warning remains in place until Tuesday 19 August 20251. No further warning period beyond that date has been reported.
Sources (1)
- Wildfire Warning: 13-19 August 2025 | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, firescotland.gov.uk
Wildfires and Grass Fires
