Latest news with #ScottishWildfireForum
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Extreme warning for wildfires issued by fire chiefs as dry spell continues
Over the weekend, 50 firefighters were called out to battle a blaze that affected 40,000 square metres of woodland near Fauldhouse. An extreme warning for wildfires has been issued across Scotland as a dry spell of warm weather continues. The warning will be in force from Thursday, May 14, until May 19 and was issued by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum on Wednesday. It comes as fire crews worked for days to try and contain a huge wildfire in West Lothian with nine fire appliances and a specialist helicopter deployed to drop water on the burning trees and moorland. Over the weekend, 50 firefighters were called out to battle a blaze that affected 40,000 square metres of woodland near Fauldhouse. At its peak it was reported that the fire covered an area the equivalent to five and a half football pitches. People living nearby were urged to keep their windows and doors closed due to the smoke. The vast majority of wildfires are started by human behaviour and the SFRS is urging communities to avoid lighting fires and using naked flames while this warning is in place. Area Commander Michael Humphreys is the SFRS Wildfire Lead and said: "Responsible human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting. That's why we're urging people to absolutely avoid the use of naked flames, including barbecues, at this time. "It only takes one spark to start a wildfire and things can get out of hand very, very quickly. "Discarded cigarettes and unsupervised campfires pose a significant threat, so it's vital to follow all safety advice when outdoors and to make sure you are familiar with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at all times." Remote and rural communities, in particular, are impacted by wildfire. Area Commander Humphreys added: "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 air polluting gases into the atmosphere." The SFRS has an array of wildfire prevention and safety advice on its website. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
The Herald Scotland
10-05-2025
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
'Extreme risk of wildfire' warning extended across Scotland
A 'very high danger' assessment – released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) - covering the whole of Scotland was put in place from Wednesday until Friday. An extreme danger assessment covering the north of Scotland was issued for Friday, and has since been extended to cover mainland Scotland until Monday. READ MORE: Half of Scotland's river catchments now at alert for water scarcity Wildfire warning after disposable barbeque blamed for massive blaze 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."
Edinburgh Reporter
09-05-2025
- Climate
- Edinburgh Reporter
Very high to extreme risk of wildfire in place across areas of Scotland until Monday
A very high to extreme risk of wildfire is in place across areas of Scotland until Monday, 12 May, 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. The very high danger assessment – released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) – remains in place until Friday, 9 May. On Friday, 9 May an extreme danger assessment covers the north of Scotland. In addition, an extreme danger assessment is also in place for Saturday, 10 May, covering mainland Scotland. The danger assessments will be in place until Monday, 12 May. 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.' Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
06-05-2025
- Climate
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh and Lothians at 'very high' wildfire risk as urgent warning begins
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info 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."
STV News
06-05-2025
- Climate
- STV News
'Extreme' wildfire warning issued across Scotland
An 'extreme' wildfire warning has been issued across Scotland after a disposable barbecue caused a blaze the size of around 'two rugby pitches'. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has issued a 'very high to extreme' risk of wildfire warning across Scotland from May 7, until May 12. The very high warning, released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, covering the whole of Scotland will remain in place until May 9. From May 9 until 12, an 'extreme danger' warning covering the north of Scotland will come into place. Additionally, an extreme danger assessment will come into place from May 10 to 12, covering mainland Scotland. People who live within or who may enter rural environments have been urged to exercise caution. SFRS said: 'wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife; and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.' It comes after a disposable barbecue caused a blaze the size of around 'two rugby pitches' in the Trossachs. Woodland Trust Scotland said the two hectare fire killed nesting birds and other wildlife in the Glen Finglas region of the national park on Saturday. The disposable grill was found with a charred burger still on top after the blaze took place. Firefighters battled multiple blazes across Scotland in April including a grass fire that 'decimated' the reptile population at Glen Rosa on the Isle of Arran. Emergency services were called to the grass fire at Glen Rosa on Thursday, April 10, with the fire raging for three days. Three fire engines were sent to the scene of the blaze, which affected an area of grass measuring approximately 600m by 600m. SFRS crews, aided by a helicopter, dropped water over the affected area and eventually extinguished the fire. Station commander Joe Fitzpatrick said: 'We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame. He added that many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause 'significant damage'. He said: '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.' He continued: '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.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
