Residents urged to use 'extreme caution' as police investigate cause of wildfire near Arthur's Seat
Firefighters remain at the scene over 24 hours since the fire started
Police have issued an urgent warning to residents as they investigate the cause of a fire which started in Holyrood Park near Arthur’s Seat on Monday evening.
Firefighters worked through the night to try and extinguish the blaze, initially reported at 7.05pm, with crews still at the scene 24 hours later dampening down the remaining hot spots.
Plumes of smoke could be seen from miles around as residents enjoyed the bank holiday sunshine.
Police said an investigation is underway to establish the cause of the fire, and are appealing to the public for information.
Local Area Commander Alison MacDonald said: "We know that the area around Arthur's seat was busy last night due to the good weather and would ask that anyone with any information surrounding the cause of the fire come forward and speak with officers.
"Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2975 of 25 May, 2026.
"As the good weather continues, we will continue to work with our partner agencies and would encourage members of the public to stay safe and behave responsibly."
Area Commander David Dourley, the local senior officer Edinburgh, said: "At 6.50pm on Monday, 25 May, we were alerted to reports of a large grass fire on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh.
"Firefighters are continuing to work to fully extinguish the fire.
"We know many people will be wanting to enjoy the good weather, but we ask they do so responsibly.
“Wildfires have the potential to destroy property, landscapes and wildlife, which is why it is so important that members of the public use extreme caution under these conditions.
"Please avoid lighting outdoor fires and be mindful that one spark can spread rapidly, causing a large amount of damage.”
He said anyone who spots an outdoor fire should call 999 immediately.
Jamie Hamilton, Senior Ranger at Holyrood Park said: "We'd like to extend our sincere thanks to the emergency services for their quick response to this incident and would encourage anyone with any further information to come forward.
"We know that people are keen to enjoy the good weather but would ask them to remain vigilant and not to use any form of naked flame within the parameters of the park, dispose of rubbish properly, and to report anything of concern immediately.”
The high road within Holyrood Park has been closed to traffic while the fire is ongoing.