The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is calling for collective action to strengthen Scotland’s wildfire prevention and preparedness following a series of devastating incidents at home and across the world.
While praising all involved for the response to recent wildfires, including the prolonged incident in the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland’s Chief Fire Officer said there is now a clear opportunity for government, public services, land managers, businesses and communities to work together to reduce future risk and improve Scotland's resilience.
He believes Scotland must place greater emphasis on prevention and preparedness, warning that wildfire is an increasing and evolving threat that cannot be addressed through emergency response alone.
In an open letter, Chief Officer Stuart Stevens said:
“The time to fight the risk is before the smoke is in the air. The decisions we take today will determine how well-prepared Scotland is tomorrow.
“If we are serious about protecting lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, our natural environment and the resilience of our nation, we must act now – together, with purpose, and with a long-term commitment to prevention, as well as response.”
“Given the risk to life, property, infrastructure and the natural environment, I believe Scotland should now consider a more formal and proportionate fire safety regime for wildfire prevention and preparedness.
“We need a broader national conversation about how Scotland manages this risk in the years ahead.
“The built environment has long been subject to clear expectations around fire safety. As wildfire risk grows, we must ask whether our approach to the natural and rural environment is sufficiently clear, consistent and preventative.
“We must set clear expectations, improve planning, support land managers and communities, and ensure that prevention is treated as a shared priority.”
Chief Officer Stevens paid tribute to the firefighters who responded to the Cairngorms wildfire, many of whom came from on call fire stations and balanced their vital role with the support of employers and families, saying he was "indebted" to their commitment.
He also thanked communities across the Cairngorms National Park for the generous support shown to emergency responders and partner agencies throughout the incident.
He said: “It is without question that the impact of this fire in the Cairngorms has been significant on the local community, economy and environment. However, the bravery and effort of all who responded prevented the loss of life, homes or infrastructure.
“The kindness shown to responders, particularly in relation to their welfare, is deeply appreciated, and I am eternally grateful for the support they were given.
“Many of those involved came from our on call stations. These colleagues often balance their SFRS role with other employment, family responsibilities and community commitments. Their contribution to Scotland is vital, the role they play in their local communities is invaluable, and I am indebted to them.”
Chief Officer Stevens believes there is much to learn from the Cairngorms incident and has commissioned a number of formal debriefs, including an independently facilitated review.
He added: “It is evident to me that there is much to learn from the Cairngorms incident, and to ensure we truly capture this learning we must approach this in an open, inclusive and transparent manner.
“To this end I have commissioned a number of formal debrief processes, including an independently facilitated process, to ensure that all partners, agencies and community representatives can have their voices heard.”
SFRS works closely with partners on the Scottish Wildfire Forum and is continuing to collaborate with the Scottish Government in relation to its Wildfire Strategic Action Plan, launched earlier this year.
SFRS launched a Wildfire Strategy in 2023, supported by a £1.6 million investment in specialist vehicles, equipment and training. This includes a tiered wildfire response positioned at 37 locations across Scotland to support incidents when required.