Our summer campaign focuses on making campers and domestic holidaymakers aware of the risk of fire while on holiday and highlighting the importance of leaving no trace after camping and using campfires.

Additionally, we aim to raise awareness among youths, parents and carers about the dangers of deliberate fire setting and the impact on emergency services and communities.

We’ve put together some useful information on how to remain safe from fire when enjoying summer in Scotland this year.

During the summer, we often see a rise in the number of deliberate fires across Scotland. These include refuse and wheelie bin fires, fires in stairwells or derelict buildings, as well as grass and countryside fires made worse by hot and dry conditions.

In the summer of 2022, firefighters attended more than 4,800 needless fires, the equivalent of 50 deliberate fires a day. 

This type of behaviour has a huge impact on our crews and can divert them away from genuine emergencies where lives may be at risk. 

If you’re a parent or guardian, you can help reduce the number of deliberately set fires by discussing fire safety with young people. 

If you suspect someone of acting irresponsibly, contact Police Scotland on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you believe a young person is involved in a deliberate fire setting, you can anonymously report it online at Fearless.org. 

SFRS work in partnership to deliver our FSSE programme of tailored interventions regarding fire related anti-social behaviour to those under 18. If you have concerns about a young person, please get in touch with your local SFRS Community Action Team. Find more information in out Deliberate
Firesetting Parents & Carers download.

We all have a responsibility to prevent deliberate fires.

Data shows that between 21 June and 23 August last summer, firefighters across Scotland responded to more than 2,400 outdoor fires involving grass, woodland and crops. That’s the equivalent of 40 a day.

Most fires in the open are completely avoidable and are started deliberately or through human negligence.

Even the smallest fire in the open can quickly get out of hand. Our actions can considerably reduce the chance of a fire starting in the first place. So before lighting any outdoor fires, check for any restrictions or permissions required in the area. 

• Campfires are an enjoyable part of camping, but it's crucial to ensure they are fully extinguished. Properly douse the fire with water, stir the ashes, and continue dousing until you are certain it is completely out. Never leave a fire unattended or dispose of hot coals or embers in non-designated areas
• Dispose of glass or bottles in a bin and not out in the open. Glass can be magnified by the sun’s rays and has the potential to cause a wildfire or serious grassland fire
• Before lighting any outdoor fires, check for any restrictions or permissions required by the landowner
• Ensure recreational fires are made in a fire-safe pit or container and that they are properly extinguished before you leave
• If a fire occurs in the countryside, no matter how small, call 999 and ask for the fire service straight away. Even small fires have the potential to turn into a wildfire
• Leave no trace; bring extra rubbish bags specifically, for collecting and containing your litter, including food wrappers, bottles, cans, and any other waste generated during your camping trip

With an increase in camping activities or day trips anticipated over the school holiday period, people must act responsibly to keep safe and prevent wildfires. Many of us will be keen to head into the countryside to enjoy a camping or caravan holiday this summer.

But again, please be aware of the risk of fire when on a short break.

• Enjoy the outdoors, and respect nature, the land, wildlife, and other campers.
• Prevent Wildfires as they pose a threat to lives, ecosystems and our communities
• Find out the firefighting measures, equipment, and emergency procedures on the campsite
• All caravans must be fitted with a working smoke alarm
• Leave no trace; bring extra rubbish bags specifically, for collecting and containing your litter, including food wrappers, bottles, cans, and any other waste generated during your camping trip
• Ensure caravans and tents are at least 6 metres apart and well away from parked cars. This will help reduce the risk of fire spreading
• If a fire occurs in the countryside, no matter how small, call 999 and ask for the fire service straight away
• Fire can destroy a tent in 60 seconds or less and also spreads much more quickly in a caravan than it would in a house or flat.

Anyone holidaying or going to the countryside for sports or leisure can find some great advice about staying safe by reading the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

We attend fires involving BBQs every year. It's crucial to keep safety in mind when using BBQs, especially if there will be children or pets present. This year, a BBQ fire led to a wildfire burning for five days and covered approx. 1,500 hectares.

If you are going to have a BBQ, please follow the key advice below. 

• Campfires are an enjoyable part of camping, but it's crucial to ensure they are fully extinguished. Properly douse the fire with water, stir the ashes, and continue dousing until you are certain it is completely out. Never leave a fire unattended or dispose of hot coals or embers in non-designated areas
• When cooking don't leave pans and/or BBQs unattended
• Never use fuel-burning devices inside the caravan (e.g. disposable barbecues, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills)
• Do not dispose of ashes from campfires and/or BBQs until they are cold to touch, hot ashes can melt
• Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies
• Make sure your BBQ site is flat and well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste
• Keep children and pets away from the cooking area

Further guidance can be found on our BBQ safety page.

If you’re leaving your home for an extended period of time, remember to ‘switch off before you set off’.

Things like electrical appliances – televisions, hair straighteners, computers – are more likely to cause a fire if they are accidentally left switched on for long periods of time.

So, if you’re about to set off for a short break, we would ask you to switch off electrical appliances and take a moment to consider our fire safety advice before you set off.

And if you are checking into a short term let accommodation, please ensure you know where your nearest fire exit is and have an escape plan in place in the event of an emergency.

As always, also ensure smoke alarms are fitted and are working properly