3 minutes

FLS adds voice to fire safety warnings

Forestry and Land Scotland is urging anyone who is planning to visit the countryside to help save lives, wildlife and property by exercising extreme caution.

The call to ‘Respect, Protect and Enjoy’ comes less than a week after fire crews have contended with several wildfires across the country, including one in Galloway Forest Park, and as the spell of hot, dry weather continues.

Graeme Prest, FLS’ Director of Land Management and Regions, said;

“Nobody can fail to be aware that with the extended period of hot, sunny weather and less than the usual rainfall, the risk of wildfire is significantly higher than normal.

“A wildfire can emerge from one stray spark. FLS is therefore urging visitors to not light campfires, to make sure that cigarettes are properly extinguished and to use a camping stove or gas barbecue rather than a disposable barbecues.

“Camping stoves must be as stable as possible and on a level and preferably fire resistant surface. They should also be kept well away from any flammable material.

“Anyone planning to visit the countryside over Easter needs to do their bit, abide by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, be sensible and do not take any risks.

“And if you do see a wildfire, call 999 immediately”

Wildfires can spread very quickly and put people at significant risk, whether those people are the fire crews and support teams attending or those  members of the public who rely on a swift response in emergency situations at home or on the roads.

Graeme added;

“Fire service crews are wholly dedicated people who make every effort to be where they are needed, when they are needed.

“They will always be better able to rise to that challenge and do their job to the best of their ability when they do not have to divert their resources to avoidable fires.

“Everyone needs to bear that in mind, to not take any risks with fire and always be vigilant.”

Notes to editors

  1. Photo credit: OpenStreetMap
  2. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
  3. Home - Forestry and Land Scotland | x.com/ForestryLS
  4. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot