A wildfire warning has been issued for parts of Scotland, with the public urged to exercise “extreme caution” amid a “very high risk” of fire.
The warning covers the eastern Highlands and eastern and southern Scotland from Wednesday August 12 until Thursday August 13. It comes as hot and dry weather is expected across the UK, with an amber warning for extreme heat in place for much of England on Thursday.
Warning issued by SFRS and SWF
The warning was issued by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF). It comes as firefighters continue to work in Cairngorms National Park, four weeks after a wildfire began near the Ryvoan Bothy, close to Aviemore. Fire crews are continuing to dampen down hotspots within the area.
“It’s extremely important members of the public exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame during a wildfire warning,” said SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour. “These fires place a huge drain on our resources and pose a threat to the safety of our firefighters and members of our communities.”
Impact of wildfires
The fire service said that wildfires are a growing problem in Scotland and have a huge impact on the environment, wildlife and the economy. They also have the potential to affect infrastructure and property. The fire service said it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish outdoor access code.
The warning comes as Andy Burnham said he will consider imposing a ban on disposable barbecues amid the risk of further wildfires as extreme heat continues to grip parts of the UK. The Prime Minister will chair an emergency Cobra committee on Wednesday in response to a prolonged spell of exceptionally hot and dry weather.
Drought and heatwave
Nearly three-quarters of England and the whole of Wales are in drought, after a record dry July and very dry start to August have combined with high temperatures to put pressure on water resources for households, agriculture and the environment.
Temperatures are set to climb as high as 38C in some parts of England on Thursday, in the fifth heatwave of a summer on track to be the UK’s hottest on record, while much of the country is at “exceptional” risk of severe wildfires.
