SCOTLAND is facing its first September wildfire warning in five years.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) announced the warning on Tuesday, which is set to come into force this week, making it the first to be issued in September since 2020.
A “very high” wildfire risk warning will be in place from Wednesday, September 24 until Thursday before escalating to “extreme” on Friday. It marks the 13th warning issued this year – the most in recent times.
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.”
Though wildfire alerts in autumn are not unprecedented, the warning issued on Tuesday reflects the “exceptional conditions” seen across Scotland this year.
Low-lying areas are at lower risk than other parts of the country, though residents have been urged to continue exercising “extreme caution” whilst the latest warning is in place.
“Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage”, Kabamba continued.
“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.”
It comes after a slate of wildfires caused severe damage throughout the country, including one on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, where the amount of gorse burnt during the blaze has led to an increase in rockfalls in the area.
