Scotland faces its first September Wildfire Warning since 2020
A 'very high' wildfire risk warning will be in place from Wednesday, 24 to Thursday, 25 September, escalating to an 'extreme' risk on Friday, 26 September, marking the first September wildfire warning since 2020.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is issuing a wildfire warning across Scotland which comes into force this week.
A 'very high' wildfire risk warning will be in place from Wednesday, 24 to Thursday, 25 September, escalating to an 'extreme' risk on Friday, 26 September, marking the first September wildfire warning since 2020.
While wildfire alerts in early autumn are not unprecedented, this year’s warning reflects exceptional conditions across Scotland. It marks the thirteenth wildfire warning in 2025 – the most wildfire warnings issued in one year in recent times.
Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, while posing a threat to the welfare of nearby communities.
Low-lying areas are at a lower risk but residents should still exercise extreme caution during this period.
SFRS Group Commander Serge Kabamba said: "Scotland has faced an unprecedented scale of wildfire risk this year.
“We recognise temperatures are dropping across the country and people might not think that the risk is there, however the effects of this year’s spring drought are still visible across the landscape, with dry soils and browned vegetation increasing the risk of fire.
“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.
"These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of carbon 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."
Wildfire prevention and safety advice can be found on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's website.
Learn more about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
ENDS