Wildfires. Did you know they have seasons? Spring is a critical season here in Scotland. Working outdoors and using fire are two reasons I keep a very close eye on the Scottish Fire and Rescue website and Facebook. This blog is going to explore wildfires and what I do to mitigate the risk.
What is a Wildfire?
Wildfires are large, uncontrolled outdoor fires which are bigger than 1,000 square meters of burned area on the appropriate land types. I know I can struggle to imagine that scale. So, why not explore this with your class. Head into your playground and measure it. How big is it? How does that compare to the size of a small wildfire?
These fires can be very dangerous as they are unplanned, uncontrolled, and unpredictable. More than that, they occur in areas with combustible vegetation which can fuel the fire leading to rapid spread. Could your class explore your playground or outdoor spaces you use to discover what could fuel it, what would help a potential fire spread. You could then discuss what could be removed or changed to reduce risk.
They Only Happen Up North and in Summer
False.
Those of us in central Scotland can often think they are the problem of the highlands and rural areas. But, this fire warning from Scottish Fire and Rescue is from the 17th of March 2025 and clearly shows the risk is spread across Scotland. It is something we all need to be aware of.
While wildfires can happen year-round, Spring presents ideal conditions due to the combination of new growth and typically drier ground. On average, the Scottish Fire and Rescue will attend 170 wildfires a year and the impact of this is huge.
How wildfires impact Scotland
Scotland’s climate is changing, with warmer, drier springs and summers becoming more frequent. This creates ideal conditions for wildfires, as less rain means vegetation dries out faster, turning into fuel for fires. Even one spark in the wrong place can set off a blaze in these conditions. This change means the critical season for wildfires is changing. It used to be spring but Scottish Fire and Rescue now say this is extending from Spring into Summer. Weather plays a huge factor in determining how wildfires spread – we all saw that earlier this year with the news of the American wildfires coverage in the news. Strong winds, extreme temperatures or low rainfall can all leave trees, shrubs, fallen leaves grass, dry and primed to fuel a fire.
Wildfires here in Scotland have a huge impact on property infrastructure, the environment, and the economy. They are huge and, in turn, are a huge drain on the resources of Scottish Fire and Rescue. They also pose a significant threat to the safety of firefighters and to the members of the communities affected by the fires.
Spring is also nesting season for many birds, and a fire can destroy crucial habitats overnight. It’s not just large animals at risk, tiny insects and amphibians can’t escape, leading to a loss of biodiversity.
We can use role play to help explore the impact. Simply split children into small groups and assign them different roles (firefighters, wildlife rescuers, affected community members). Give them a wildfire scenario and ask how they would respond. This builds awareness of the social and ecological impact of wildfires.
The Common Causes
Analysis shows that around two thirds of wildfires are accidental with the most common causes recorded as discarded cigarettes or campfires that have been left unattended or not extinguished properly. But other common causes include glass bottles. Do you remember as a kid using glass to burn a hole in a piece of paper? Now imagine how easily that could ignite dry materials outside. Sometimes controlled burns can be used to manage land. It is an age old practice. But, sometimes, these can spiral out of control. Sadly, it is a reality that some people start fires intentionally without care or concern of their impact. These should be reported to the police.
And finally, believe it or not, cold dry days with strong sunshine, like we are having at the moment can also be risky. The combination of low humidity and strong winds can quickly dry out vegetation and fuel wildfires.
Did you know that tiny embers can be carried by the wind, sometimes igniting a fire a mile or more away?
What to Do If You Spot a Wildfire
If you see a wildfire starting, acting quickly can make all the difference. Here’s what to do:
- Call 999 immediately – Even if the fire seems small, it can spread rapidly. Give clear details about the location, using landmarks if possible. If you have the What3Words app, use it to give an exact location to emergency services.
- Look for early warning signs – A fire doesn’t always start with visible flames. Smouldering ground, smoke rising from vegetation, or an unusually strong smell of burning can all be signs that a fire is about to take hold. If you see this, report it straight away.
- Do not attempt to put out smouldering ground – Even without flames, the fire may be burning beneath the surface, especially in dry conditions. Stamping or disturbing it can increase oxygen flow and cause it to flare up. Firefighters have specialist equipment to handle these fires safely.
- Move away and stay upwind – Fires can spread faster than you think, especially in dry conditions. If you’re outdoors, head to a safer area away from vegetation.
- Warn others nearby – If you’re with a group, make sure everyone knows to leave the area safely.
- Mark the location (if safe to do so) – If you can do so safely, place a visible marker (like a stick or bright object) near the area to help emergency services locate the exact spot quickly.
Even a small patch of smouldering ground can develop into a full wildfire if left unchecked. By spotting the early signs, reporting them, and staying safe, you’re helping to protect people, wildlife, and Scotland’s landscapes.
How Does That Impact Me?
As an outdoor practitioner, I have a responsibility to keep an eye on the risk of wildfires and then determine whether I will have a fire or not. If I am doing ongoing work with children I may continue to have a fire in a fire pit as this helps me to ensure it is properly extinguished. However, if the risk is high and it is a group I rarely work with, I will often not have a fire.
This is because I feel I have a responsibility to set a good example. If I am having a fire, even while carefully mitigating the risk, it may indicate to families that it is ok for them to have a fire, without them necessarily being aware of the risks or best practices.
As an outdoor practitioner, you know your children, and often your families. For me, I am often running one off sessions with kids so do not know them as well. Which is why I take the approach I do. But, it is up to you to consider your approach and consider whether you really need that fire, educate your children and yourself and then decide what to do from there.
With children I work regularly with, we can allow children to practice building a fire structure without lighting it. We can explore firebreaks (clear, open spaces designed to stop fire from spreading), along with clearing the area and responsible fire use. Teaching about responsible fire use is also key. Then, discuss when it’s safe to have a fire. This can naturally lead into a discussing a wider range of wildfire risk scenarios where I can ask, “Would you light a fire? Why or why not?” Encourage debate on safety vs. necessity.
Whether you’re an outdoor educator, landowner, or someone who enjoys the countryside, we all have a role to play in preventing wildfires. What steps will you take to stay informed and keep Scotland safe?
Fire Risk Information Beyond Scotland
While this blog focuses on Scotland, wildfire risk is a concern across the UK and beyond. If you’re in:
- England – Check fire risk updates from the Met Office and your local Fire & Rescue Service.
- Wales – Fire risk information is available from Natural Resources Wales and local Fire & Rescue Services.
- Northern Ireland – Follow the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service for updates.
- Ireland – Fire weather warnings and wildfire alerts are available through Met Éireann.
- Elsewhere – If you’re outside the UK and Ireland, check with your national meteorological service and local fire authorities for wildfire warnings and safety advice.
Wherever you are, staying informed and taking precautions can help reduce the risk of wildfires and protect our landscapes.
