The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) warned that a very high to extreme risk of wildfire was in place across areas of Scotland from Wednesday 7 May until Monday 12 May 20251. The danger assessments were released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF)1.
The very high danger assessment covered the whole of Scotland from Wednesday 7 May and remained in place until Friday 9 May1. On Friday 9 May an extreme danger assessment covered the north of Scotland, and a further extreme danger assessment was in place for Saturday 10 May covering mainland Scotland1. The danger assessments were to remain in place until Monday 12 May1. In an update dated 12 May, the service said the extreme wildfire warning still remained in place across mainland Scotland until the end of that day1.
The SFRS urged people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution1. It said wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, and threaten the welfare of nearby communities1.
"We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame."
Michael Humphreys said many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage1. He said livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires, as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities1. He added that human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, and that it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code1.
| Period | Danger assessment | Area covered |
|---|---|---|
| From Wednesday 7 May to Friday 9 May | Very high | Whole of Scotland |
| Friday 9 May | Extreme | North of Scotland |
| Saturday 10 May | Extreme | Mainland Scotland |
| Until Monday 12 May | Assessments in place | As above |
| Update, 12 May | Extreme warning remains until end of day | Mainland Scotland |
Why it matters for households
The assessments applied to the whole of Scotland from 7 May, then to the north of Scotland on 9 May and mainland Scotland on 10 May, with the extreme warning still in place across mainland Scotland until the end of 12 May1. The service's caution was directed at people who live within or who may enter rural environments1. Its wildfire lead asked the public to think twice before using anything involving a naked flame, and to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code1. The service said wildfires can threaten the welfare of nearby communities and the lives of people living and working in rural communities, and can devastate livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest1.
The guide to wildfires and grass fires sets out risk and prevention for households, and sits within the heatwaves and drought section.
What happens next
The service's update of 12 May said the extreme wildfire warning remained in place across mainland Scotland until the end of that day1. No further danger assessments beyond 12 May are given in the service's statement1.
Wildfires and Grass Fires
