Edinburgh and Lothians at 'very high' wildfire risk as urgent warning begins

Edinburgh Live

06-05-2025

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Edinburgh and the Lothians are at "very high" risk of wildfires in the coming week as officials have issue an urgent warning.
A very high to extreme risk of wildfire is in place across areas of Scotland from Wednesday, May 7, until Monday, May 12, the country's fire and rescue service has warned.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has urged people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution.
This warning follows recent wildfire alerts encompassing Edinburgh and the Lothians. In April, a large wildfire broke out in the Pentland Hills as horrified locals watched on from their homes.
The very high danger assessment – released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) – remains in place until Friday, May 9. This covers the whole of Scotland from Wednesday, May 7.
On Friday, May 9 an extreme danger assessment covers the north of Scotland.
(Image: EFFIS)
In addition, an extreme danger assessment is also in place for Saturday, May 10, covering mainland Scotland. The danger assessments will be in place until Monday, May 12.
Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife; and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.
SFRS Wildfire Lead Michael Humphreys 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."