Scotland faces a very high to extreme risk of wildfire into next week warns the fire service.
With dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely.
The heightened risk period is currently into late Monday. In the Western Isles the forecast indicates the dry conditions with sunshine may extend towards the middle and end of next week.
Group Commander Garry Douglas urges people to avoid lighting any outdoor fires during the risk period.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said dry vegetation acts as fuel for fire, making conditions even more dangerous.
Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife; and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.
The service is asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.
Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.
Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific
interest can all be devastated by these fires - as can the lives of people living
and working in rural communities.
Wildfires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of greenhouse gas 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.
‘Extreme’ risk of wildfires for Western Isles during current dry weather
3 April 2025
