The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) issued a wildfire warning on 22 August 2025 covering the whole of Scotland, with a very high risk of wildfire in place through the weekend until Monday 25 August1. The warning extends for central and eastern areas of the country until Tuesday 26 August1.
The service said low lying areas with green grass are at a lower risk, but that residents should still exercise extreme caution during this period1. It urged the public to avoid the use of naked flames outdoors and to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code1.
"This summer has been especially dry, and we are urging people to avoid using anything involving a naked flame outdoors."
Group Commander Landels said that in dry conditions even a small fire from a discarded cigarette or an unattended campfire has the potential to quickly grow out of control, and that the vast majority of wildfires are started by human behaviour1. The SFRS said wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, threatening the welfare of nearby communities1.
| Area | Very high wildfire risk in place |
|---|---|
| Whole of Scotland | Until Monday 25 August |
| Central and eastern areas | Until Tuesday 26 August |
| Low lying areas with green grass | Lower risk, with caution advised |
Why it matters for households
The warning covers all of Scotland for the weekend of 23 and 24 August and runs to Monday 25 August, with central and eastern areas affected for a further day1. Households in or near grassland, moorland and countryside face a raised risk during this period, and the SFRS asks the public to avoid anything involving a naked flame outdoors, including discarded cigarettes and unattended campfires, and to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code1. The service attributes most wildfires to human behaviour, and says acting responsibly can lower the chance of a fire starting1. The guide to wildfires and grass fires sets out risk and prevention for households, and the heatwaves and drought hub covers the wider dry weather picture.
What happens next
The very high risk remains in place across Scotland until Monday 25 August, and until Tuesday 26 August for central and eastern areas1. No further update beyond those dates has been reported.
Sources (1)
- Wildfire Warning: 22-26 August 2025 | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, firescotland.gov.uk
Wildfires and Grass Fires
