Firefighters are urging the public to be aware of wildfire risk this Spring as figures show almost 80% of large outdoor fires since 2010 were recorded between March and May.
On average, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) attends 170 large outdoor fires each year.
Prolonged wet weather last year saw the figure drop to 55 incidents, but the seasonal risk remains.
Analysis shows that around two thirds of wildfires are accidental with the most common causes recorded as discarded cigarettes or unattended campfires.
Area Commander and Local Senior Officer for Highland, Michael Humphreys, the SFRS Wildfire Lead, emphasised the need for public responsibility. He said: “It is crucial that people understand the impact of careless fire-setting. Even with the best intentions, small fires can rapidly spread causing devastating damage.
“If you light a campfire during high winds, high temperatures and low humidity there is potential that it could get out of control.
“Always take steps to ensure your campfire is fully extinguished before you leave. Simple steps to act safely and responsibly is a must.”
SFRS continues to collaborate with partners, such as the Scottish Wildfire Forum, to issue wildfire warnings when weather and ground conditions are high and very high for fires. The public can follow SFRS social media channels and website for real-time wildfire warnings and safety guidance.
Deputy Chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum, Michael Bruce, said: “Large wildfires burning over several days have a devastating impact on our natural environment.
“In May 2019, a wildfire burned for six days in the Flow Country where the burned peatland doubled Scotland’s emissions.
“Wildfires can strike a blow to rural economies and tourism.”
With climate change, we may be seeing hotter, drier summers and wetter, warmer winters. This could increase the chances for wildfires to occur, which is why preventative measures are more important than ever.
To address these risks, SFRS is advancing its Wildfire Strategy, and have invested £1.6 million in specialist equipment and firefighter training to improve its response capabilities.
While wildfires can happen year-round, Spring presents ideal conditions due to the combination of new growth and typically drier ground.
However, wildfire risks are not solely linked to warm conditions—cold, dry winter air can also create highly flammable environments.
For more information, visit Wildfires | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
