New Scotland wildfire strategy launched after record 2025 fire season

Scotland action plan sets out wildfire response changes

A new strategic action plan has been launched to strengthen wildfire prevention, preparedness and response across Scotland following the country’s most severe wildfire season in recent memory.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said the plan is designed to improve coordination between agencies, expand operational capability and increase public awareness of wildfire risk.

Scotland’s high-risk wildfire period, traditionally between March and May, has expanded in recent years.

Firefighters spent more than 100 days responding to more than 230 wildfires during 2025.

The executive summary of the Wildfires: strategic action plan records 241 wildfires during the year, including the Carrbridge and Dava Moor fire which burned nearly 10,000 hectares and is described as the UK’s largest recorded wildfire.

The plan was developed in partnership with SFRS with input from His Majesty’s Fire Service Inspectorate alongside other stakeholders.

It sets out coordinated actions under three areas covering prevention, preparedness and response.

Measures include strengthening public awareness of wildfire risks, investing in wildfire vehicles and equipment and developing a multi-agency Concept of Operations ahead of the 2026 wildfire season.

Local and regional Incident Response Plans will also be enhanced to strengthen protection for responders, rural communities and Scotland’s natural environment during periods of heightened wildfire activity.

Additional actions include reviewing and expanding the Community Asset Register and examining a mountain rescue-style approach to trained wildfire volunteers with a potential trial in Cairngorms National Park.

Scotland equipment investment and operational preparation

SFRS said it reviewed the 2025 wildfire season and has invested in equipment, training and specialist capability.

Four new wildfire support units with enhanced equipment have been placed in Alford, Oban, Galashiels and Dornoch.

Two interim wildfire units have also been introduced in Lockerbie and Thurso.

Controlled burn training is being delivered to support operational readiness.

The service worked with partners to review wildfire incidents from 2025 through the Scottish Multi-Agency Resilience Training and Exercising Unit (SMARTEU).

Recommendations from the SMARTEU debrief will be progressed through the Scottish Wildfire Forum.

More than 30 fire stations across Scotland are already equipped with dedicated wildfire resources.

Wildfire tactical advisers are also available to provide strategic support during incidents.

To inform the public, SFRS issues Wildfire Danger Assessments through its website and social media channels when weather conditions increase wildfire risk.

SFRS Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: “Wildfires continue to pose an increasing threat to Scotland’s rural communities and natural environment.

“We welcome the strategic action plan, which is an essential step in ensuring our firefighters, land managers, public bodies and partners can enhance their collective response to wildfires.

“It is vital for everyone to play their part in protecting Scotland’s natural environment with responsible outdoor behaviour.

“Never assume a small fire, like a campfire or portable BBQ, is safe and harmless.

“The smallest spark or ember in dry conditions can quickly lead to wildfire destroying large parts of the countryside.”

Scotland ministers link plan to future wildfire preparedness

SFRS said Minister for Community Safety Siobhian Brown and Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie joined the service at Pitlochry fire station to present wildfire appliances and equipment as the annual wildfire awareness campaign launched alongside the action plan.

Brown said: “Last year’s wildfires were a warning that we must be prepared for this to be a more regular occurrence as a result of climate change.

“The strategic action plan will improve coordination between the SFRS and other responders during wildfires and includes the development of Incident Response Plans to strengthen the protection of responders, rural communities, and the natural environment during periods of heightened wildfire activity.

“It will also see the Community Asset Register – a list of volunteers and equipment to help with wildfire response – reviewed and expanded.”

Fairlie said: “All of us who saw the devastation caused by last year’s fires know that it took an incredible effort to get them under control and I would like to repeat our thanks to all the SFRS staff, landowners, managers, keepers and workers who stepped in.

“So many communities stepped up to save their local landscape and the species that live there and this plan is intended to help us better prepare for the future.

“Each of us has a part to play in preventing wildfires and must be mindful of their behaviour when enjoying our wonderful countryside during the dry months to ensure we do not do anything or leave behind litter that could ignite a fire.”

The strategic action plan sets out a coordinated approach intended to strengthen Scotland’s wildfire resilience ahead of the 2026 wildfire season and in future years.