Scotland has just unveiled a major new multi-agency action plan to fight wildfires that are burning bigger, longer and more often. With the 2025 season seeing more than 230 blazes across over 100 days, emergency chiefs say the country must act now or risk losing vast areas of precious landscape forever.
Wildfire Season Now Lasts Twice as Long
Ten years ago, Scotland’s wildfire “season” ran roughly from March to May. Today it often starts in February and stretches into July or beyond.
In 2025 alone, firefighters tackled more than 230 vegetation fires, with some burning for weeks. The blaze at Dava Moor ranked as one of the largest in recorded Scottish history.
Hotter, drier springs and summers driven by climate change have turned peatlands, forests and moorland into tinderboxes. Even a discarded cigarette or a spark from a barbecue can ignite fires that rage out of control for days.
What the New Strategic Action Plan Actually Does
The plan was built together by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NatureScot, Police Scotland, local councils, land managers and the Scottish Government. It focuses on four clear goals.
Better coordination between every agency that responds to fires.
Stronger local and regional incident plans to protect crews and communities.
Much louder public warnings so people understand the real danger.
New ways to bring volunteers and local equipment into the fight faster.
A major upgrade is coming to the Community Asset Register. Farmers, contractors and estates will list diggers, water bowsers and 4×4 vehicles that can be called up instantly when fire breaks out.
Partners are also looking at a mountain-rescue-style volunteer wildfire team, with a possible pilot starting in Cairngorms National Park next year.
Fire Service Invests Heavily in Specialist Kit and Crews
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has already spent millions getting ready for the new reality.
Four brand-new dedicated wildfire units are now based at Alford, Oban, Galashiels and Dornoch. Two extra interim units are running in Lockerbie and Thurso.
More than 30 fire stations now carry specialist off-road wildfire gear. Experienced tactical advisers can be flown in to guide the biggest incidents.
Training has stepped up too. Crews are carrying out live controlled burns so they learn exactly how fire behaves in Scottish peat and heather.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: “Wildfires continue to pose an increasing threat to our rural communities and natural environment. This strategic action plan is an essential step forward.”
Ministers Promise This Is Just the Start
The plan was launched at Pitlochry fire station by Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown and Rural Affairs Secretary Jim Fairlie.
Siobhian Brown called last year’s fires “a stark warning” about climate change. She thanked everyone who fought the blazes and promised more money and support in future.
Jim Fairlie praised the “incredible effort” of firefighters, gamekeepers, farmers and local people who saved huge areas of countryside. He said the new plan will make sure Scotland is ready next time.
Simple Steps Everyone Can Take Right Now
The fire service already posts daily Wildfire Danger Ratings on its website and social media. Check before you light any fire outdoors.
Never light barbecues or campfires on dry grass or near woods during high-risk periods.
Take rubbish home; glass bottles can start fires in hot sunshine.
Report smoke immediately; call 999 straight away.
Scotland’s hills and glens are part of who we are. Last year we saw whole communities rally to save them. This new action plan gives them the tools and the backup they need for the tougher years ahead.
What do you think about the new wildfire plan? Have you seen fires near you or helped fight them? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
