The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) issued a "very high" warning for an increased risk of wildfires across Scotland, beginning on Wednesday 7 June 2023 and running until Saturday 10 June1. The service said the warning came as more than 30 firefighters tackled a large wildfire in Cannich, near Inverness, which began on Sunday 28 May and remained ongoing on Wednesday 7 June1.
The SFRS cautioned that even the smallest fire can spread uncontrollably and devastate entire hillsides, and warned that many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant environmental and economic damage1. It said wild and grass fires can start through the careless disposal of cigarettes and through barbecues or campfires left unattended, and have the potential to burn for days, devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, and threaten the welfare of nearby communities1.
Station Commander John Harvey said:
"We know that many people will be hoping to enjoy the outdoors when the weather is good, but we urge everyone to make sure that they don't increase the chance of wildfire. That means being aware of the risks and following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code."
He added that many of these fires are preventable and asked the public to read the service's safety advice and enjoy the weather responsibly1. The SFRS said it works closely with land managers, communities and other safety partners to prevent these incidents1.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Warning level | "Very high" risk of wildfires1 |
| Area | Scotland1 |
| Starts | Wednesday 7 June 20231 |
| Ends | Saturday 10 June 20231 |
| Issued by | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service1 |
| Related incident | Large wildfire at Cannich, near Inverness, begun Sunday 28 May, ongoing as of Wednesday 7 June; more than 30 firefighters involved1 |
Why it matters for households
The warning covers the whole of Scotland for four days, from 7 to 10 June 20231. The SFRS says rural and remote communities are hugely affected by wildfires, which can cause significant environmental and economic damage, and that fires can threaten the welfare of nearby communities1. The service attributes many wildfires to careless disposal of cigarettes and to unattended barbecues or campfires, and advises the public to be aware of the risks and to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code1. It also asks people to read its safety advice and to enjoy the weather responsibly1. The background to wildfire risk and prevention at home is set out in the guide to wildfires and grass fires, part of the wider section on heatwaves and drought.
What happens next
The warning is scheduled to run until Saturday 10 June 20231. The SFRS reported on Wednesday 7 June that the Cannich wildfire remained ongoing1. No further warning periods or updates beyond those dates have been reported1.
Wildfires and Grass Fires
