The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) issued a wildfire warning on 23 April 2024 identifying a very high risk for the South and West of Scotland, in place on Wednesday 24 April and Thursday 25 April1. The service said it issues wildfire warnings in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum1.
Group Commander Niall McLennan, one of the SFRS wildfire tactical advisors, set out the conditions behind the warning:
"The key issues over the next few days are sunshine, warm air temperatures, low humidity and moderate to strong winds."
He added that "during this period of high risk, fires could ignite easily, spread fast and burn with high intensity"1. The SFRS urged the public not to light a fire outdoors, noting that even with the best of intentions a fire that is not fully extinguished before someone leaves can spread1. It said people living in the South and West of Scotland should be extra cautious over the next few days and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame outdoors1.
The service reported that firefighters tackled an average of one wildfire every day across Scotland during spring and early summer last year, with 133 incidents between March and June 2023, typically the busiest time of the year for wildfires in Scotland1.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, with the Scottish Wildfire Forum1 |
| Risk level | Very high1 |
| Area | South and West of Scotland1 |
| Dates in place | Wednesday 24 April and Thursday 25 April 20241 |
| Conditions cited | Sunshine, warm air temperatures, low humidity, moderate to strong winds1 |
| Wildfire incidents, March to June 2023 | 133, an average of one a day1 |
Why it matters for households
The warning covers households in the South and West of Scotland for two days, 24 and 25 April1. The SFRS advice for this period is not to light a fire outdoors, and for people in the affected area to be extra cautious and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame outdoors1. The service said human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, and that people should act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code1. Its guidance on lighting fires in the countryside is set out in the practical guide to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code1. The background to wildfire risk and prevention is covered in the guide to wildfires and grass fires, and the rules around barbecues and wildfire risk in dry weather are set out separately, within the wider heatwaves and drought section.
What happens next
The warning is in place on 24 and 25 April only1. No further warning dates beyond 25 April have been reported.
Wildfires and Grass Fires
Barbecues and Wildfire Risk
