Public urged to be vigilant as wildfire danger continues across Scotland

Press Release

Rural business organisation Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) is urging the public to remain vigilant to wildfire following the publication of the latest wildfire danger rating assessment. 

The assessment classifies the wildfire danger as ‘very high’ across all areas of Scotland on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th April, and ‘extreme’ in southwest, eastern, central and northern Scotland on Thursday 10th April. 

There has been a spate of devastating wildfires across the country in recent days. Firefighters battled a huge wildfire in Inverpolly Forest, north of Ullapool, over the weekend which followed other fires in Stirling and East Dunbartonshire.

The most significant wildfire, which began in Galloway Forest Park, spread to South Ayrshire. Firefighters described facing a wall of fire which stretched more than three miles, and some local residents were evacuated for their own safety. The response to the incident is ongoing. 

The wildfire danger assessment has been ‘very high to extreme’ across the country since 02 April. The latest wildfire danger assessment, published this afternoon, extends the warning to 10 April.  

The assessment highlights low humidity, bright sunny days, high windspeed gusts and frost at night on higher ground as being the key issues over the next three days. It notes that above ground fine fuels will dry quickly in these conditions.

Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland for Scottish Land & Estates, said: “With the wildfire danger assessment classified as either ‘very high’ and ‘extreme’ in the coming days, it is vital that members of the public and land managers remain vigilant to the very real risk brought about by the current conditions.  

“The latest danger assessment notes that fires will be intense and could burn and spread rapidly due to the wind with rekindling potential.

“We can all take simple measures to reduce the risk of a wildfire and the devastating damage it can cause to landscapes and habitat. The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) has warned against any outdoor fire in the countryside, including campfires and disposable BBQs. Cigarettes should be extinguished fully and taken home, along with all litter.”

Mr Ewing continued: “We are increasingly seeing prolonged periods of dry and warm weather in Scotland and there has been several high profile and devastating wildfires in recent years.

“The Scottish Government can and must do more to address growing wildfire risk. The creation of integrated wildfire management plans, formulating strategies to actively manage fuel loads and training more people in the controlled use of fire to fight fire would all help to bolster preparedness and resilience.

“Ministers should also provide far greater institutional support to the wildfire danger rating assessment which is integral in forecasting when the danger is most acute.”  

 

Image credit: Bright Spark Burning Techniques