The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Wildfire Forum have extended a 'very high' wildfire risk warning across Central Highlands, Southern and Eastern Scotland until Friday. This decision comes as emergency services continue to tackle several large blazes, including a wildfire in the Glenmore area of the Cairngorms National Park that has been burning since last Wednesday, and a grassfire on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh that started on Sunday.
Ongoing Incidents and Response
Fire crews remain at the scene of the Cairngorms wildfire, which has been ongoing for over a week. In Edinburgh, crews have been battling a grassfire on Arthur's Seat since Sunday. Deputy assistant chief officer Ian McMeekin emphasized the severity of the situation, stating: 'We’ve seen this week that wildfires and large fires in the open can have a devastating impact on the environment and they can be incredibly disruptive to communities.'
Public Advisory and Safety Measures
McMeekin urged the public to act responsibly: 'Now the very high wildfire risk warning has been extended until later this week and we must ask the people of Scotland to help us by following our advice. If you want to enjoy the warmer weather, or you’re spending time outdoors, please do so responsibly and take simple steps to prevent fires from starting.' He added: 'Avoid lighting outdoor fires or barbecues in affected areas and remember that a single spark can cause significant damage. There is no such thing as a harmless fire. You can help by sharing wildfire warnings with your family, friends, and any visitors.'
Impact and Precautions
The warning covers large parts of Scotland, and authorities stress that even areas not under a warning should remain vigilant. The public is advised to avoid any activities that could spark a fire, such as campfires, barbecues, or discarding cigarettes irresponsibly. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continues to monitor the situation closely.
