Edinburgh and the Lothians at 'extreme' wildfire risk as Fire and Rescue issue urgent warning
The SFRS are asking the public to exercise caution after an extreme danger assessment was put in place by the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF).
This will be in place from Friday, July 11 until Monday, July 14 and covers central and eastern areas on Friday before extending to all areas, except low-lying areas with green grass, from Saturday, 12 July, until Monday, 14 July.
READ MORE: Edinburgh man 'knocked down' in crash with tour bus on packed Royal Mile
READ MORE: Edinburgh man felt 'nauseous and hungover' after running bath in high-rise flat
In light of this warning, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is asking visitors to Edinburgh's Holyrood Park to stay vigilant, avoid naked flames and dispose of their waste properly.
A HES spokesperson said: "With the dry weather and grounds at this time of year, wildfire can quickly spread causing serious damage to our sensitive sites.
"Our Holyrood Park rangers carry out daily patrols and raising awareness of the heightened fire risk with members of the public on site.
"We would also encourage anyone visiting the Park to be vigilant, avoid naked flame including barbeques, dispose of waste properly and ensure they follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.'
Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.
Group Commander Raymond King is a Wildfire Tactical Advisor at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He said: "We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.
"Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage. Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland, and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires - as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.
"These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment, and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
"Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code."
Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Yahoo
Firefighters battle overnight blaze at building in Wishaw
Firefighters have worked through the night tackling a blaze affecting a building in Wishaw. Emergency services were called to the scene at Belhaven Terrace at around 10:35pm on Sunday. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) sent six fire engines and specialist resources to the incident on Sunday evening. There were no reports of any casualties. READ MORE: Firefighters work through night tackling Arthur's Seat blaze Erskine Bridge closure for major works extended SFRS said in a statement: "We were first alerted to the incident at 10.35pm on Sunday, August 10. There are no reports of any casualties and firefighters are expected to remain at the scene for some time. "We are mindful of smoke travel and we'd advise local residents and businesses to keep windows and doors closed. "Those living in the wider area should be vigilant and if you can see or smell smoke, take the same action."
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Yahoo
Edinburgh and the Lothians at 'extreme' wildfire risk as Fire and Rescue issue urgent warning
Edinburgh and the Lothians have been issued an "extreme" wildfire risk by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services (SFRS). The SFRS are asking the public to exercise caution after an extreme danger assessment was put in place by the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF). This will be in place from Friday, July 11 until Monday, July 14 and covers central and eastern areas on Friday before extending to all areas, except low-lying areas with green grass, from Saturday, 12 July, until Monday, 14 July. READ MORE: Edinburgh man 'knocked down' in crash with tour bus on packed Royal Mile READ MORE: Edinburgh man felt 'nauseous and hungover' after running bath in high-rise flat In light of this warning, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is asking visitors to Edinburgh's Holyrood Park to stay vigilant, avoid naked flames and dispose of their waste properly. A HES spokesperson said: "With the dry weather and grounds at this time of year, wildfire can quickly spread causing serious damage to our sensitive sites. "Our Holyrood Park rangers carry out daily patrols and raising awareness of the heightened fire risk with members of the public on site. "We would also encourage anyone visiting the Park to be vigilant, avoid naked flame including barbeques, dispose of waste properly and ensure they follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.' Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, and threaten the welfare of nearby communities. Group Commander Raymond King is a Wildfire Tactical Advisor at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He said: "We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame. "Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage. Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland, and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires - as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities. "These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment, and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. "Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Yahoo
‘Extreme' wildfire warning in place for much of Scotland as heatwave hits
A warning over an 'extreme' risk of wildfires is in place for much of Scotland as the latest summer heatwave begins to hit the country. Health authorities and emergency services have urged Scots to stay safe in the hot weather. Temperatures will hit the high 20s in parts of Scotland during Saturday and Sunday. The hot, dry weather comes as the TRNSMT music festival is about to begin on Friday and continue through the weekend, with thousands of music fans gathering on Glasgow Green. Central and Eastern parts of Scotland are under a warning of an 'extreme' danger of wildfires from Friday through to Monday, which the rest of the country covered from Saturday through to Monday. Only low-lying areas with green grass are exempt. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said anything requiring naked flames such as barbeques should only be used with great care. Group commander Raymond King said earlier: 'We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame. 'Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage. 'Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland, and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities. 🔥 An extreme wildfire warning is in place across Scotland from Friday, 11 July, until Monday, 14 July. With dry conditions and sunny weather ahead, we're urging everyone to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. Read more: — Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (@fire_scot) July 9, 2025 'These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment, and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.' Earlier in July, parts of the north of Scotland were hit by wildfires on a 'vast scale' which burned for several days, prompting a police investigation. The Met Office has said the heatwave will last longer than the one experienced earlier this summer, and will cover a larger part of Scotland. Ahead of TRNSMT in Glasgow, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde urged music fans to stay safe by ensuring they are protected from the sun and stay hydrated. Dr Emilia Crichton, director of public health, said: 'This weekend is looking like a great time to get outside for warmer weather. 'No matter what you're doing, please enjoy the good weather safely by protecting yourself when in the sun, staying hydrated, and having common medicines to hand. 'We know tens of thousands of people will be heading to TRNSMT and we hope everyone has a fantastic time. 'We ask festival-goers to look after themselves and others so everyone can enjoy the event safely.'
