Firefighters have remained near Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh throughout the night, continuing to tackle a significant grass fire that began on Monday evening. The alarm was raised at approximately 6.50pm, with the blaze starting in an area of vegetation close to the ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel.
Ongoing Efforts
Two fire engines were still at the scene at 6.30am on Tuesday, as crews worked to fully extinguish the flames. Clouds of smoke could be seen rising from the affected area, prompting local authorities to advise residents to keep their windows and doors shut as a precautionary measure.
No Injuries Reported
There have been no reports of any injuries resulting from the fire. The cause of the blaze is under investigation, but the recent hot weather is believed to have contributed to the dry conditions that allowed the fire to spread.
The Met Office recorded a maximum temperature of 25°C in Edinburgh on Monday, marking another day of unseasonably warm weather for the region. This heatwave has also impacted other events, such as the Edinburgh Marathon held over the weekend, where a number of runners required treatment for heat exhaustion. The Scottish Ambulance Service confirmed that 16 people were taken to hospital on Sunday as a result.
Public Advice
Firefighters are urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid activities that could spark further fires, such as discarding cigarettes carelessly or using barbecues in dry areas. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continues to monitor the situation closely.
