SLE endorses call for clearer national approach to wildfire safety

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation, has strongly backed calls from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) for greater action to improve wildfire prevention and preparedness across Scotland.

In an open letter published following the Glenmore–Strathnethy wildfire, SFRS Chief Officer Stuart Stevens said Scotland should consider introducing a “more formal and proportionate fire safety regime for wildfire prevention and preparedness”, alongside strengthening its response when wildfires occur.

Mr Stevens called for a shared national commitment from government, public services, land managers, businesses, communities and individuals to improve Scotland’s long-term resilience to wildfire.

SLE will shortly publish a report examining the response to the Glenmore–Strathnethy incident. It is understood that more than 40 organisations and businesses were involved in tackling the blaze - Scotland’s second major wildfire in little over a year.

The earlier Carrbridge and Dava wildfire burned across almost 12,000 hectares and has been described as the UK’s first megafire.

Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland & Strategic Projects at Scottish Land & Estates, said:

“Wildfire prevention must now become a national priority. Rural businesses and communities stand ready to work with SFRS and government to help deliver that objective, but it will require public investment substantially beyond current levels. We would also like to see much closer cooperation between the UK and Scottish Governments on this increasingly urgent issue.

“Appropriate vegetation and fuel-load management must be recognised as an essential part of reducing the likelihood, intensity, severity and spread of wildfires. Controlled burning – known as muirburn in Scotland – is recognised internationally as a valuable tool for managing vegetation and reducing fuel loads. With the new licensing scheme coming into force next month, its implementation must not hinder land managers’ ability to undertake this vital work. We agree with the Chief Officer that unnecessary burdens should be avoided.

“In his letter, the Chief Officer asks whether Scotland’s approach to fire safety in the natural and rural environment is sufficiently clear, consistent and preventative. We wholeheartedly agree that this question must be addressed. The priority for government should be to equip people to manage risk effectively and ensure that preventing wildfires receives the same level of attention as responding to them once they have started.”