‘Very high’ to ‘extreme’ risk of wildfires in Scotland over coming days – SFRS

There is a “very high” to “extreme” risk of wildfires in Scotland over the course of five days, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has said.

It marks the service’s third warning issued in 2025, and is in force from Wednesday until Monday April 7.

The SFRS, alongside the Scottish Wildfire Forum, have warned the public not to light fires outdoors across the country during the affected time period.

Group commander Garry Douglas, a tactical adviser for SFRS, said: “During any period of heightened risk, fires can ignite easily, spread very quickly and burn with high intensity.

Human behaviour is the cause of most wildfires in Scotland, so it is imperative we all act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors especially over the coming days of predicted sunshine

“At this time of year in early spring, we typically have a large volume of dead, bone-dry vegetation across large areas of countryside. This essentially acts as a fuel for fire.

“There are currently vast areas that are tinder dry and vulnerable, which provides all the ingredients for fire to take hold and spread.

“Human behaviour is the cause of most wildfires in Scotland, so it is imperative we all act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors especially over the coming days of predicted sunshine.

“By following some simple but key advice, we can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire occurring.”

SFRS advises people to always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and has a range of safety advice for wildfire prevention on its website, firescotland.gov.uk.