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Scotland on High Alert: Wildfire Risk Soars
20 Mar
Summary
- First wildfire alert issued for northern and north-east Scotland.
- Most wildfires are human-caused and therefore preventable.
- UK's largest wildfire occurred in Scotland last year.
Northern and north-east Scotland are currently under a very high wildfire risk alert, issued for Friday and Saturday. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, is urging the public to avoid outdoor fires. Officials stress that the majority of wildfires are preventable, stemming from human activity.
Spring conditions create ideal fuel with vast areas of dry, dead vegetation. Fire service area commander Robert Lennox highlighted that even small sparks can ignite devastating wildfires. Last year, Scotland experienced 14 wildfire warnings, with the final one extending beyond the typical risk season.
The Highlands saw the UK's largest wildfire on record near Carrbridge and Dava Moor, an event the Scottish Government cited as evidence of landscape vulnerability to climate change. In response, a wildfire strategic action plan has been released to coordinate prevention and response efforts, alongside the fire service's annual awareness campaign.
