The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, working with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, issued a wildfire warning for Aberdeenshire and East Lothian on Saturday, 18 October1. The announcement was published on 17 October 20251.
The service said low lying areas are at a lower risk, but that residents in the affected areas should still exercise caution during this period1. It said that while wildfire alerts in early autumn are not unprecedented, the warning reflects exceptional conditions across Scotland1. This is Scotland's fourteenth wildfire warning for 2025 and the first October wildfire warning in more than 10 years1.
Station Commander Joe Fitzpatrick said the effects of this year's spring drought remain visible across the landscape:
"Despite temperatures dropping as we shift into a new season, the effects of this year's spring drought are still visible across the landscape with dry, brown vegetation increasing the risk of fire."
He added that rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage, and that residents in affected areas are being asked to avoid using naked flames outdoors during this time, with all members of the public asked to continue to exercise caution1.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Areas covered | Aberdeenshire and East Lothian1 |
| Date of warning | Saturday, 18 October1 |
| Issued by | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service with the Scottish Wildfire Forum1 |
| Warning number in 2025 | Fourteenth1 |
| Last October warning | More than 10 years ago1 |
Why it matters for households
The warning covers households in two Scottish council areas for a single day, Saturday 18 October1. The service points to dry, brown vegetation left by this year's spring drought as the factor raising the risk of fire, and says low lying areas carry a lower risk while asking residents in the affected areas to exercise caution1. Its request to residents in affected areas is to avoid using naked flames outdoors during this time, and it asks all members of the public to continue to exercise caution1. The service directs readers to its wildfire prevention and safety advice and to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code1. Practical guidance on risk and prevention is set out in our guide to wildfires and grass fires, within the wider heatwaves and drought section.
What happens next
The warning applies to Saturday, 18 October1. No further warnings or updates beyond that date have been reported1.
Wildfires and Grass Fires
