The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), working with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, issued the warning on 28 April 2025. It covers north-east, central and southern Scotland from Monday 28 April until Sunday 4 May1. The service said the warning comes as the country is set to enjoy sunshine for most of this week1.
The SFRS is urging the public to avoid lighting fires outdoors across all areas of Scotland during this period, not only the areas named in the warning1. Area Commander Michael Humphreys, the service's Wildfire Lead, said early spring typically brings a large volume of dead, bone-dry vegetation across large areas of countryside, which acts as fuel for fire, and that vast areas are currently tinder dry and vulnerable1. The service said wildfires can burn for days, damage land and wildlife and threaten the welfare of nearby communities, and that livestock, farmland, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated1.
"We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid using anything involving a naked flame."
The SFRS advises people to always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and publishes wildfire prevention safety advice1. The service said human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting1.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, with the Scottish Wildfire Forum1 |
| Date issued | 28 April 20251 |
| Risk level | Very high to extreme1 |
| Areas covered | North-east, central and southern Scotland1 |
| Period | Monday 28 April to Sunday 4 May 20251 |
| Request to public | Avoid lighting fires outdoors across all areas of Scotland1 |
Why it matters for households
The warning applies to anyone outdoors in the named areas during the week, and the SFRS request to avoid lighting fires outdoors extends to all areas of Scotland for the same period1. The service links the risk to the forecast sunshine and to dry vegetation left from early spring, and says rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, with damage to livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest, and to the lives of people living and working in those communities1. Its advice is to exercise extreme caution, avoid anything involving a naked flame, and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code1. The guide to wildfires and grass fires sets out how these fires start and how households can reduce the risk; it sits within the wider heatwaves and drought section.
What happens next
The warning runs until Sunday 4 May 20251. No further update beyond that date has been reported.
Wildfires and Grass Fires
