Six-day Flow Country fire shows ‘devastating impact’ wildfires can have
Rural communities and tourism businesses can be exposed to high risks of out-of-control wildfires as spring gets under way, emergency workers have warned.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) says spring is a prime time for outdoor fires to get out of control - with potentially devastating consequences.
Almost 80 per cent of large outdoor fires since 2010 were recorded between March and May.
On average, the SFRS attends 170 large outdoor fires each year. Prolonged wet weather last year saw the figure drop to 55 incidents, but it warns the seasonal risk remains.
Analysis shows that around two-thirds of wildfires are accidental, with the most common causes recorded as discarded cigarettes or unattended campfires.
In May 2019, a wildfire burned for six days in the Flow Country where the burned peatland doubled Scotland’s emissions.
Area commander and local senior officer for Highland, Michael Humphreys, the SFRS wildfire lead, emphasised the need for public responsibility.
He said: “It is crucial that people understand the impact of careless fire-setting. Even with the best intentions, small fires can rapidly spread, causing devastating damage.
“If you light a campfire during high winds, high temperatures and low humidity, there is potential that it could get out of control.
“Always take steps to ensure your campfire is fully extinguished before you leave. Simple steps to act safely and responsibly is a must.”
SFRS works with partners, such as the Scottish Wildfire Forum, to issue wildfire warnings when weather and ground conditions are high and very high for fires.
Deputy chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum, Michael Bruce, said: “Large wildfires burning over several days have a devastating impact on our natural environment.
“In May 2019, a wildfire burned for six days in the Flow Country where the burned peatland doubled Scotland’s emissions.
“Wildfires can strike a blow to rural economies and tourism.”
It is also understood that climate change may lead to hotter, drier summers and wetter, warmer winters. This could increase the chances for wildfires to occur, which is why preventative measures are more important than ever.
To address these risks, SFRS is advancing its Wildfire Strategy, and have invested £1.6 million in specialist equipment and firefighter training to improve its response capabilities.
While wildfires can happen year-round, the service says that spring presents ideal conditions due to the combination of new growth and typically drier ground.
However, wildfire risks are not solely linked to warm conditions – cold, dry winter air can also create highly flammable environments.
