SCOTLAND'S climate is becoming drier and warmer, resulting in an expanded "risk period" for wildfires alongside the potential health impacts of high heat, experts have said.
Across the UK temperatures are soaring, with amber and even rare red warnings in place across much of England and Wales later this week, and Scotland bracing for highs of 32 degrees Celsius, and a potential breaking of the June temperature record.
Passengers on LNER services to England have been advised not to travel, and Network Rail has warned of disruptions across Scotland as railway infrastructure could come under strain in the intense heat.
Now, several climate and fire experts have told The National about how this weather is part of a long-running trend that is slowly leading to a heightened risk of wildfires.
Dr Zakary Campbell-Lochrie, lecturer in fire science at the University of Edinburgh explained that "the growing threat of wildfires in Scotland was put into sharp focus by Scotland’s most severe wildfire season on record in 2025" and several "high profile fires" including two blazes on Arthur’s Seat.
"The threat posed by wildfires is likely to increase in future years, with Scotland’s climate expected to become warmer and drier, with increasing occurrences of extreme weather," he explained.
Scotland's traditional wildfire season is the Spring, with summer fires being the exception, but Ross Ewing, vice chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum explained that this "high-risk period, traditionally between March and May, has expanded in recent years."
“In addition, these incidents are becoming more severe, more intense and more frequent, threatening not only fragile landscapes and wildlife but also rural communities."
Usually, despite summer being hotter than the water content of vegetation remains higher, as more plants and organisms are extracting from underground sources than would be during the winter and spring.
Dr Vikki Thompson, postdoctoral researcher at Edinburgh University's school of Geosciences, explained that "climate change is increasing the risk of wildfires in Scotland with an increase in 'fire weather'".
"Hotter, drier, and windier weather is the ideal recipe for wildfires to both ignite and spread - and that is exactly what climate change is bringing us. "
Dr Thompson, whose research focuses on understanding the causes and impacts of extreme weather events, added that the soaring temperatures seen this week, alongside records being broken in May, show that "heatwaves are getting hotter, happening more often, and lasting longer, and we know this is due to our fossil fuel usage."
"We need to transition to Net Zero and adapt urgently to live and work in these extreme temperatures."
Stuart Smith an ecologist at the Hutton Institute, added that some research is pointing towards summer fires being a "higher concern," as they "might be more intense" and have a "higher impact" if there are more people in the affected area or the land is required for seasonal farming or grazing.
Campbell-Lochrie explained that there is "a pressing need to address the increasing threat of wildfires and to ensure suitable resilience of our communities, infrastructure and landscapes".
He praised the Scottish Government’s Strategic Action Plan on Wildfires which "outlines planned activities to address wildfire prevention, preparedness and response, and includes a commitment to identify and consider key research and evidence requirements, as well as increasing the robustness of the existing wildfire danger assessment system."
All three pointed towards collaboration between the public, Scottish Government, emergency services and land owners as an important part of mitigating risk.
“Most wildfires are human caused, and accidental, which means the public plays a vital role in wildfire prevention," Ewing added.
“The Forum urges the public to never start a fire when a wildfire warning is in place, as even the smallest spark can spread rapidly and cause significant damage to wildlife, countryside and rural communities."
A new bylaw has been implemented in the Cairngorms National Park which prohibits the use of outdoor barbeques from April 1 to August 30 each year, imposing a £50 fine if you are caught breaking the rule.
Campbell-Lochrie explained that: "The good news is we’re past what is typically considered the peak wildfire season in Scotland which typically occurs in the spring.
"However, a risk can remain year-round, particularly through the summer period, and we all have a part to play in preventing accidental ignitions through responsible use of campfires and BBQ’s and obeying local bye-laws and fire safety advice, particularly if we see further extended periods of hot, dry weather over the summer period."
Ewing added that “public-private partnership is essential both to effective response and preparedness for future wildfires and this collaborative approach will continue to develop as practitioners, policymakers and the public understand the risk from wildfire.”
Both Ewin, on behalf of the Wildfire Forum, and Smith also discussed the role land owners and workers play, saying the experience and local knowledge of farmers and owners is invaluable to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, with Smith explaining that this is one of the reasons why properly regulated proscribed burnings, or Muirburns, are an important farming tradition to keep in Scotland, as it can build and maintain fire prevention skills for farmers and land owners.
Ewing said that the fire service has been aided by the knowledge of local workers before, saying: “Exceptional support provided to SFRS by the local farming and land management community whose knowledge, equipment and commitment has proved invaluable in helping bring recent fires under control so quickly, cannot be underestimated.
"This was recently demonstrated in the Pentland Hills, where a fire on Eastside Farm was contained to 17 hectares thanks to the efforts of 10 estates and farms alongside the SFRS.
“Responding safely to wildfires often requires a unique collaborative effort between SFRS crews, landowners and other responders working to protect our communities and the environment.
Commenting on the wildfire risks, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service added that risks are increasing, and urged the public to be aware of potentially harmful activities.
Deputy assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour, head of prevention for the SFRS said: “Wildfires continue to pose an increasing threat to Scotland’s rural communities and natural environment.
“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has invested significantly in equipment, vehicles, and training - spending around £1.6 million over the past three years - to strengthen our ability to respond to wildfires, even in rural areas.
“Most wildfires are human caused, which means the public plays a vital role in wildfire prevention. We urge the public to never start a fire when a wildfire warning is in place, as even the smallest spark can spread rapidly and cause significant damage to wildlife, countryside and rural communities.
"Taking simple precautions, like fully extinguishing cigarettes or avoiding the use of open flames during high-risk periods, can help prevent devastating damage. Remember, there’s no such thing as a harmless fire."
