As climate change brings warmer, drier seasons, Scotland’s rural areas are seeing a sharp rise in wildfire risks. Now, Scottish firefighters are turning to unexpected tools like leaf blowers, jet washers, and all-terrain vehicles in the battle against moorland and forest blazes. With wildfires posing one of the biggest threats to rural communities, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has invested in cutting-edge equipment to improve response capabilities across remote regions.
Unconventional Tools in the Fight Against Fire
In the past, traditional firefighting relied heavily on hoses, water tankers, and shovels. But with the risk of wildfires surging, innovative methods are being introduced, particularly on challenging moorland and peatlands. Now, large leaf blowers are part of the fire toolkit, used to blow away oxygen from flames, effectively starving them. Jet washers, typically seen in household cleaning, have been reimagined for wildfire use. By spraying a fine mist, they can penetrate the peat, cooling it deep below the surface to prevent fires from reigniting.
Michael Humphreys, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s wildfire lead, explains the importance of adapting their approach. “These fires burn intensely, often underground, especially on peatlands. Having equipment that can work on the surface and reach deep below is critical.”
The SFRS has invested around £1.6 million in specialized vehicles designed for the rugged terrains of the Highlands. These include all-terrain vehicles equipped with firefighting tools, allowing firefighters to reach areas inaccessible by traditional engines.
Tackling Remote Blazes with All-Terrain Vehicles
For Scotland’s firefighters, one of the most difficult challenges is reaching remote blazes in dense forests or high moorlands. Traditional fire engines struggle with the narrow, uneven tracks common in these areas, so SFRS has introduced smaller, more agile vehicles specifically designed for rough terrains. These all-terrain 4x4s are outfitted with equipment that can help firefighters get close enough to contain fires in the critical early stages, hopefully limiting their spread.
- Key Equipment in Use:
- Leaf blowers: Starve fires of oxygen to reduce spread
- Jet washers (fogging machines): Cool fires at surface and sub-surface levels
- All-terrain 4x4s: Enable quick access to hard-to-reach areas
“The response time to these fires is everything,” Humphreys adds. “The faster we can get there, the better chance we have to control them before they reach catastrophic levels.”
The Rising Threat of Peat Fires
Peat fires are particularly challenging due to their ability to burn underground, sometimes for weeks. This can lead to extensive damage and require massive resources to contain. According to Michael Bruce, a moorland fire management expert from the Glen Tanar estate, the length and severity of fire seasons are increasing, partly due to climate change.
Peatlands are carbon-rich environments, and once they ignite, they produce thick, toxic smoke and release large amounts of carbon dioxide. Fires on peat moors often require repeated applications of water to fully extinguish. That’s where Scotland’s newest firefighting equipment, like fogging machines and all-terrain water sprayers, has proven essential.
“This isn’t just a seasonal issue anymore,” Bruce says. “These fires are getting longer and more intense. Each fire season seems to absorb more resources than the last.”
Scotland’s Global Approach to Wildfire Management
Scotland recently hosted an international conference on wildfire management in Aberdeen, where experts from Spain, Portugal, and Australia gathered to share knowledge and strategies. At the conference, the SFRS demonstrated equipment such as leaf blowers, fogging machines, and jet washers, showcasing Scotland’s new tools to experts from other wildfire-prone regions.
Helicopters were also used in a live demonstration at Glensaugh Farm near Laurencekirk, dropping tons of water onto the hillside. While the SFRS lacks direct access to helicopters, they can coordinate with private estates, which sometimes arrange helicopter support through insurance companies. Helicopter water bombing is effective, particularly when multiple aircraft attack the fire in sync. However, it’s an expensive tactic that is only used when absolutely necessary.
Future Investments and Fire Stations in Remote Areas
As wildfires become more frequent and intense, SFRS is reviewing the placement of its fire stations. Currently, there are 61 stations across the Highlands, but with longer and more severe fire seasons, new stations may be built to reduce response times further. These new stations may even be equipped with smaller, nimbler appliances designed for easier navigation in Scotland’s rugged landscapes.
The firefighting community acknowledges that adapting to climate change will be a long-term commitment. Humphreys sees the recent investments in equipment as just the start of an ongoing effort to build resilience against wildfires.
“As the climate shifts, we have to shift with it,” Humphreys remarks. “This isn’t just an issue in the Highlands or for Scotland alone; it’s a challenge we’re all going to face. And every piece of new technology or knowledge we gain will help us stay one step ahead.”
