The threat of wildfires increases over this week with an extreme risk for the Western Isles and other regions of Scotland by Friday.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) urges people living or spending time in rural communities and surrounding environment to exercise caution.
The very high danger assessment - released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire
Forum (SWF) - remains in place until Friday.
This initially covers Barra and Vatersay as well as Tiree, parts of Argyll, central
and south-west Scotland to Wednesday night.
By Thursday and Friday the warning extends across the Western Isles and west coast
and all low-lying areas in Scotland.
In addition, an extreme danger assessment is in place for Friday covering all low-lying
areas in Scotland.
Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife; and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.
Group Commander Murray Dalgleish is a Wildfire Tactical Advisor for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He said: "We are 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.
"These fires 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."
Danger of wildfires this week warns fire service
17 March 2025