Wildfire Warning for North and North-East Scotland: 20 - 21 March 2026

People in the North and North-East of Scotland should be aware that there is a ‘very high’ risk of wildfire in their areas from Friday 20 March to Saturday 21 March.  

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has issued its first official wildfire warning of 2026, in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum. 

SFRS is strongly urging the public in these impacted areas to avoid lighting fires outdoors during this period.  

Area Commander Robert Lennox is a Local Senior Officer. He said: “There’s no such thing as a harmless fire. Every spark, even the smallest, has the potential to become a wildfire and cause a large amount of damage. 

“As Spring approaches, we often find vast areas of dead and dry vegetation across the countryside which has just finished thawing. These vulnerable areas are essentially wildfire fuel. 

“Most wildfires are human caused, which means they are also preventable. It is imperative that we all act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors - not just during a period of heightened risk, but all year long. 

“We ask the public to stay alert to conditions, watch for our wildfire danger assessments and share this guidance with your family, friends, and visitors. Together, we can protect our landscape, wildlife, and communities.” 

SFRS issued 14 wildfire warnings in 2025, with the final one of the year distributed in October – well beyond the typical timeframe for heightened wildfire risk in Scotland. 

The Service also launched its annual wildfire prevention and awareness campaign recently alongside the release of the Scottish Government’s wildfire strategic action plan. 

A range of 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.