The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) issued a wildfire warning on 9 March 2023 covering South West Scotland and Central-Eastern Scotland, in force from Friday 10 March until Saturday 11 March1. The service rated the risk extreme in the south west and very high in the central east, and urged the public to take the utmost care in the countryside1.
| Area | Risk rating | In force until |
|---|---|---|
| South West Scotland | Extreme | 11 March |
| Central-Eastern Scotland | Very high | 11 March |
The service said the weather pattern over the following days, dominated by low pressure, warm air to the south, cold air to the north and low humidity in the south west, increased the risk1. It said that in early March there is a lot of dead grass and heather left over from last year which can dry very quickly due to a combination of frost, low relative humidity, sunshine and wind, and when ignited acts as fuel which can spread wildfires over a wide area1. Many wildfires are started deliberately or are due to careless, reckless or irresponsible behaviour, and that risk peaks during early Spring, the service said1.
"Over the next few days while this wildfire warning is in place, we urge people to act safely and responsibly in the countryside."
Station Commander John Harvey said wildfires have devastating effects on the countryside and are extremely damaging to the environment, wildlife and nearby communities, and that with dry, winter conditions that weekend wildfires could burn and spread with very high intensity in high-risk areas1. The service asked people to act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors, dispose of cigarettes carefully and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame1. People who live, work or are visiting rural areas in particular were urged to exercise the utmost caution to avoid fires breaking out1. SFRS recently launched a prevention campaign called "Care for your Countryside"1.
Why it matters for households
The warning covers households, workers and visitors in rural parts of South West Scotland and Central-Eastern Scotland from Friday 10 March until Saturday 11 March 20231. The service's advice for that period is to act safely and responsibly in the countryside, dispose of cigarettes carefully and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame1. It also states that wildfires are extremely damaging to the environment, wildlife and nearby communities1. The service has not reported any specific property at risk, any evacuation or any road closure in connection with this warning.
What happens next
The warning expires on Saturday 11 March 20231. No further warning period, change in the risk ratings or update has been reported.
The service's guidance on wildfires and grass fires sets out risk and prevention, and sits within the site's heatwaves and drought section.
Wildfires and Grass Fires
