Highlands and Moray warned of ‘very high to extreme’ wildfire risk by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Wildfire risks in the Highlands and Moray will be “very high to extreme” in the coming days, residents and visitors have been warned.
With settled, dry weather forecast in many areas in the coming days, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has issued its first September wildfire warning for five years.
There will be very high risks of wildfires in the Highlands and Moray, escalating to “extreme” on Friday in some parts.
While wildfire alerts in early autumn are not unprecedented, the SFRS said that this year’s warning reflects exceptional conditions across Scotland. It marks the 13th wildfire warning in 2025 – the most wildfire warnings issued in one year in recent times.
Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, while posing a threat to the welfare of nearby communities.
Low-lying areas are at a lower risk but residents should still exercise extreme caution during this period.
SFRS Group Commander Serge Kabamba said: "Scotland has faced an unprecedented scale of wildfire risk this year.
“We recognise temperatures are dropping across the country and people might not think that the risk is there, however the effects of this year’s spring drought are still visible across the landscape, with dry soils and browned vegetation increasing the risk of fire.
“We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.
"Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.
"These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
⚠️ An EXTREME wildfire warning has been issued for the whole of Scotland for Friday, 26 September.
— Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (@fire_scot) September 23, 2025
There is also a VERY HIGH warning in place for all of Scotland from tomorrow, Wednesday, 24 September until Thursday, 25 September.
More information ➡️ https://t.co/yihj6cCbfH pic.twitter.com/DBOIchOgxH
"Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code."
Wildfire prevention and safety advice can be found on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's website.
Learn more about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code here.