FIREFIGHTERS in Scotland were tackling on average of one wildfire every day during the peak season in 2023, it has been revealed.
New statistics from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) show that 133 incidents of wildfire were recorded between March and June 2023, typically the busiest time of the year for wildfires in Scotland.
Of those wildfires which were recorded 48 fell into the category denoting the largest area of damage, spreading to over a hectare each.
More than one third (50) occurred across the Highlands and a further ten across Na h-Eileanan Siar.
Across the remainder of Scotland there were ten incidences of wildfire across Dumfries and Galloway, nine recorded in Fife, eight in North Lanarkshire and seven in Argyll and Bute.
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Due to a prolonged dry and warm period in June, SFRS witnessed an intense period where multiple wildfires across Scotland were occurring simultaneously.
This included two of largest wildfires recorded last year, at Cannich near Inverness and the Ardnamurchan peninsula in Kinlochmoidart, which involved hundreds of firefighters and community partners over several weeks.
Speaking as Scotland’s national fire and rescue service launched its wildfire prevention campaign, deputy assistant chief officer Bruce Farquharson, SFRS wildfire lead, said: “Wildfires are extremely dangerous as they can spread rapidly over many hectares of land.
“Careless behaviour is often the root cause of wildfires which have the potential to burn for days or weeks, placing a significant drain on our crews.
“With sensible precautions, the public can play a crucial part in preventing wildfires from damaging wildlife, environment and rural communities.”
The Scottish Greens said that preventative action must be taken as climate change brings more extreme weather events to Scotland.
"The wildfires of last year will live long in my memory, leaving mile after mile of burnt forestry and charred woodlands and undoing decades of conservation work,” said Scottish Greens MSP Ariane Burgess (below).
“The damage could be seen and smelt for miles.
"I visited Cannich and saw the scale of the damage that had been done, none of the images could prepare me for it."
Increasingly our communities are being thrust into the frontline of climate crisis, and the extreme wildfires we have seen are becoming more common. We all need to do take preventative action if we are to stop those scenes of destruction from becoming our new normal.
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"I met with the Fire and Rescue Service in Inverness in the aftermath of the fires and was glad to hear that their teams were going to Europe to gain skills and experience from their counterparts.
“This kind of knowledge-sharing and experience is much needed as we prepare ourselves for a future of more wildfires.
“The work that our fire fighters do is invaluable and heroic, and we need to ensure they are fully equipped and protected when they are putting their wellbeing on the line for us."
The SFRS wants the public to better understand the conditions which wildfires thrive in.
During the colder months, frost can remove the moisture from the vegetation on the ground and leave it tinder dry.
Similarly in the Spring or summer, very warm and dry conditions can leave the ground primed to fuel a fire.
Strong winds added to any of the conditions above can determine how much a wildfire spreads.
Farquharson added: “When there is an active wildfire warning in place, we would ask people not to start a fire outdoors.
“Even with the best of intentions, there is still a risk that fire can spread. For example, if you light a campfire and don’t fully extinguish it before you leave, it can have devastating consequences.
“People should also ensure other items such as cigarettes are disposed of safely and responsibly.”
More practical tips and guidance, as well as any active Wildfire Danger Assessments, can be found via the SFRS website.
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