Collaborative action plan launched to strengthen Scotland’s wildfire response

A new multi-agency strategic action plan has been launched to strengthen Scotland’s response to wildfires, as emergency services warn the risk is increasing and lasting longer each year. 

The plan, developed with partners across government, land management and emergency response, aims to improve coordination during incidents and boost public awareness of wildfire risk. It also enhances local and regional Incident Response Plans to better protect responders, rural communities and Scotland’s natural environment. 

Scotland’s traditional wildfire season, typically between March and May, has expanded in recent years, placing greater pressure on responders. 

In 2025, firefighters attended more than 230 wildfires across the country over a period of more than 100 days. The incidents included the blaze at Dava Moor, one of the largest wildfires ever recorded in Scotland.

In response, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has reviewed its operational capability and invested in new equipment. Four new wildfire support units with enhanced equipment have been introduced in Alford, Oban, Galashiels and Dornoch, alongside two interim wildfire units in Lockerbie and Thurso. 

The service has also expanded training, including controlled burn exercises designed to strengthen firefighters’ ability to manage vegetation fires safely. 

A review of the 2025 wildfire season has been carried out with partners through the Scottish Multi-Agency Resilience Training and Exercising Unit. The lessons identified will now be taken forward by the Scottish Wildfire Forum. 

Partners are also developing a multi-agency Concept of Operations through the strategic action plan, intended to ensure a consistent and coordinated response to wildfire incidents across Scotland.

“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.”

Kenny Barbour, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer.

SFRS provides Wildfire Danger Assessments via its website and social media channels during periods of heightened risk, encouraging people to check conditions before lighting fires outdoors. 

The action plan was formally launched at a fire station event in Pitlochry attended by Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown and Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie. 

Brown said last year’s wildfires highlighted the growing impact of climate change and the need for stronger coordination between responding organisations. 

“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,” she said.

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.” 

Alongside improved incident planning, the strategy will also expand the Community Asset Register, which is a list of volunteers and equipment that can assist during wildfire response.  Partners are also exploring a mountain rescue-style model for trained wildfire volunteers, with a potential trial planned in Cairngorms National Park. 

SFRS already has more than 30 fire stations equipped with dedicated wildfire resources, supported by specialist wildfire tactical advisers who can provide strategic support during major incidents. 

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