Guide to wildfire prevention and reporting 

Scotland may be known for its rain, but extended dry periods—particularly in spring and summer—can turn moorlands, heather, grass and forestry into tinderboxes. A single spark from a disposable barbecue or dropped cigarette can quickly escalate into a wildfire, putting landscapes, wildlife, and communities at risk.

On this page, you'll find essential advice according to the Scottish Fire & Rescue service on how to prevent wildfires and what to do if you spot one.

Credit: Andrew Tait

Preventing wildfires in the outdoors

Whether you're hillwalking, climbing, camping or enjoying the outdoors with friends, you can work to protect the places we love and keep yourself safe by following these simple steps:

  • Check the wildfire risk on Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's's social media pages.
  • Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code’s advice and never start a fire when a wildfire danger assessment is in place, during prolonged dry periods, or in areas such as forests, woods, farmland or peaty ground.
  • Leave no trace and take all your litter home, especially BBQ waste and glass which can cause a fire in direct sunlight.
  • If having a BBQ, use safe designated BBQ areas and do not place BBQs on any flammable surface.
  • Always fully extinguish cigarettes and dispose of them responsibly.
  • Don’t leave litter, take it home with you and leave no trace. Glass in direct sunlight can cause a fire. Ensure none is lying around. 
  • Where possible use a stove rather than an open fire.  
  • If you do light a fire (where it is responsible to do so), keep it small, controlled and supervised. Make sure the fire has been fully extinguished and remove all traces of an open fire before you leave the area. 

How to report a wildfire

If you discover a wildfire, it is important to take the right steps to allow firefighters to respond quickly and effectively. Here's what to do, whether you discover a wildfire outdoors or at home.

Reporting a wildfire, you see outdoors 

  1. Safety first: Position yourself away from the fire, smoke, and any vegetation. If you are in your car, close all windows and vents. 
  2. Call 999 immediately: Request the Fire Service.
  3. Stay calm, be detailed: Clearly state your location (road names, landmarks, or use a locator app like What3Words). Describe the fire's size and direction of spread.
  4. Do not fight the fire: Wildfires are unpredictable and dangerous.
  5. Stay far away from the wildfire: The fire can smoulder or spread underground. 

Reporting a wildfire near your home 

  1. Stay calm, stay safe: Don't fight the fire; prioritise your own safety.
  2. Close up, call for help: Shut doors and windows (but don't lock them) to slow the fire's spread. Call 999 and give your exact location (address and/or map coordinates).
  3. Evacuate if needed: If the fire threatens your home, follow your escape plan, and leave the area.

If you live in a rural or at-risk area, find out more about protecting your home from wildfires.