'Very high risk' wildfire warning for Edinburgh area issued by fire service
A warning has been issued for Central and Eastern Scotland for this weekend of “very high risk” of wildfire
People are being urged to use “extreme caution” as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) warns of a “very high risk of wildfire” in Edinburgh this weekend.
The warning was issued across Central and Eastern Scotland from Friday, April 24, to Sunday, April 26, while Western Scotland is at “extreme risk” during this period.
“People living in the impacted areas should avoid lighting outdoor fires and be mindful that one spark can spread causing a large amount of damage. Remember, there’s no such thing as a harmless fire,” SFRS’ Head of Prevention Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said.
Temperatures could reach 17 degrees in the capital on Friday before cooling to around 15 degrees over Saturday and Sunday.
A gorse blaze on Arthur’s seat last August saw smoke billow across the city and caused parts of the landmark to be closed for months.
According to SFRS, wildfires are a growing problem in Scotland and can be highly destructive destroying property, landscapes and wildlife.
Causes of wildfires can range from unattended barbecues and poorly extinguished cigarettes to periods of hot and dry weather.
Those who discover a wildfire are advised to position themselves away from the fire and contact the fire service on 999 immediately.