Skip to content

Wildfire breaks out as Scotland under 'extreme risk'

Peter Jolly/Northpix A firefighter walking away from the scene of a wildfire near Inverness in the Highlands. A bushy area with trees is ablaze in the background of the shotPeter Jolly/Northpix
Fire crews are tackling the blaze on a grassy area near Inverness

A wildfire has broken out in a grassy area near Inverness following a week of dry, sunny weather.

Smoke from the blaze between Culduthel and Inverarnie was visible from the southside of the city.

Six fire engines and a water tanker have been sent to the scene.

It is the second major incident in 24 hours after a blaze in the West Kilpatrick Hills in West Dunbartonshire on Thursday afternoon. It has now been extinguished.

All low-lying areas in Scotland are currently under an "extreme" risk warning for wildfires, issued by the fire service.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said the fire near Inverness had affected about a square mile of land.

It added that crews were making good progress extinguishing the flames.

Highland Council said the number 14 bus service from Inverness Bridge Street to Whitebridge had been diverted due to the Inverarnie incident.

The B861 Inverness to Inverarnie road has also been closed in both directions.

Ash from the blaze was carried for several miles by the wind, including into Inverness city centre.

A smaller wildfire has been reported further south at Farr.

The first wildfire alert in Scotland was issued earlier this month, though the fire service put out an "extreme" warning earlier this week, taking effect on Friday.

Temperatures are expected to reach 18C.

SFRS defines wildfires as large, uncontrolled outdoor fires that can exceed 1,000 square metres in area.

They typically happen in places with combustible vegetation that acts as fuel and allows fire to spread rapidly.

The fire service has urged people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution.

How do wildfires happen?

A dark grey plume of smoke rises from the horizon and behind a row of white, harled walled houses.
Smoke from Friday's fire near Inverness drifts behind houses in the Culduthel area

SFRS describe them as "unplanned, uncontrolled, and unpredictable" and people need to take the greatest care at high-risk times of year.

Common causes of wildfires include:

  • Unattended flames - barbecues, campfires, and bonfires that are not properly extinguished
  • Controlled burns - These are used to manage land, but can spiral out of control if they go wrong
  • Cigarettes - Careless disposal can spark a fire in dry conditions
  • Glass bottles - Sunlight shining through a bottle can act like a magnifying glass, focusing heat on dry grass nearby
  • Hot and dry weather - Prolonged periods create a "tinderbox environment" where even a small spark can easily ignite a wildfire
  • Cold, dry and sunny weather - The combination of low humidity and strong winds can dry out vegetation and fuel wildfires