Extreme risk of wildfire across Scotland

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has urged people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution.

The extreme danger assessment – released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) – will be in place from Friday, 11 July until Monday, 14 July. This covers central and eastern areas on Friday, 11 July, and extends to all areas, except low-lying areas with green grass, from Saturday, 12 July, until Monday, 14 July.

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."

SFRS advises people to always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and has a range of safety advice for wildfire prevention.