The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), working with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF), issued a warning for a very high risk of wildfire across Eastern Highlands, Eastern and Southern Scotland from Wednesday 12 August until Thursday 13 August 20261. The announcement was published by the SFRS on 12 August1.
The warning covers two days. The SFRS said the warning was issued "from today (Wednesday, 12 August) until Thursday, 13 August"1. The service said the warning comes as firefighters continue to work in the Cairngorms, four weeks after the wildfire there first started, with crews dampening down hotspots within the area1.
Kenny Barbour, SFRS Head of Operational Delivery and SWF Chair, said:
"It's extremely important members of the public exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame during a wildfire warning."
He added that "These fires place a huge drain on our resources and pose a threat to the safety of our firefighters and members of our communities"1. The SFRS said wildfires are a growing problem in Scotland, with a huge impact on the environment, wildlife and the economy, and the potential to affect infrastructure and property1. It said human behaviour can significantly lower the chances of a wildfire starting, and that it is crucial people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code1.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, with the Scottish Wildfire Forum1 |
| Risk level | Very high risk of wildfire1 |
| Areas covered | Eastern Highlands, Eastern and Southern Scotland1 |
| In force | Wednesday 12 August to Thursday 13 August 20261 |
| Related activity | Firefighters working in the Cairngorms four weeks after the wildfire started; crews dampening down hotspots1 |
Why it matters for households
The warning applies to households in the Eastern Highlands, Eastern and Southern Scotland for the two days of 12 and 13 August 20261. The SFRS asks members of the public to exercise extreme caution and to think twice before using anything involving a naked flame during a wildfire warning1. It states that people should act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code1. The service links wildfire risk to the drain on fire and rescue resources and to the safety of firefighters and communities1. The SFRS also notes that wildfires can affect infrastructure and property1. Further detail on how such fires start and spread is set out in the guide to wildfires and grass fires, and the wider picture is covered in the heatwaves and drought section.
What happens next
The warning runs until Thursday 13 August 20261. No further warning period beyond that date has been reported1. Firefighting work in the Cairngorms is continuing, with crews dampening down hotspots1.
Wildfires and Grass Fires
