Wildlife warning in Scotland as risk rating set at ‘very high’

The SFRS is urging people visiting the countryside this week to take care, as the risk rating for wildfires in eastern areas of Scotland has been raised to ‘very high’ until Thursday.

Although Scotland looks set to avoid the extreme temperatures forecast in other parts of the UK, some eastern and north-eastern areas are still expected to reach 24°C and people who are visiting rural areas, in particular, are being urged to exercise the utmost caution to avoid fires breaking out.

SFRS Group Commander, Lynne Gow said: "Spring is the peak time for wildfires in Scotland when accumulated dead grass, leaves, twigs and heather acts as fuel which can spread fires quickly over a wide area. However, temperatures are rising and, although cooler than elsewhere in the UK, the dry, warm weather is expected to continue throughout the week.

“With a westerly wind, humidity will be higher in the west but the summer drying conditions and rising temperatures mean that eastern areas of Scotland are rated as ‘very high’ risk over the next few days.

“Wildfire can destroy wide areas of landscape and wildlife but human behaviour can dramatically reduce the risk of wildfire. We need people to be aware of how quickly things can get out of hand - the smallest outdoor ignition can spread rapidly and burn for days. Therefore, we are asking people to act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors and please think twice before using anything involving a naked flame."

Visit the SFRS website for more detailed summer safety advice.