FLS welcomes fewer campfires in Glenmore, but wider issue heightens fire risks
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is welcoming the reduction of campfires being lit in Glenmore Forest Park following the introduction of a seasonal fire byelaw in the Cairngorms National Park this year.
However, FLS staff nationally continue to express concern that too many people are still failing to follow signage and warnings against lighting open fires during dry periods, in forests, woods, open or peaty ground.
Paul Hibberd, FLS’ Regional Visitor Services Manager for the area, said
“Encouragingly patrols by FLS staff and partners in Glenmore, which sits in the Cairngorms National Park, have shown a significant decrease in campfires this year. But fires are still a worrying issue with a minority of people not adhering to the new byelaw.”
Recently, FLS staff on Skye urged visitors to enjoy the outdoors responsibly after an increase in evidence of campfires, littering and irresponsible behaviour at sites across Skye and Lochalsh.
In the east of the country, FLS staff have reported that the fire service has been called out following the lighting of fires at some sites.
FLS East Regional Visitor Services Manager Justin Livesey said:
“In our coastal forests such as Tentsmuir, fires are becoming a regular occurrence and we have on several occasions required attendance and assistance from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“In highland Perthshire, we have installed numerous 'No Fires' signs around Loch Tummel and Loch Rannoch and undertake daily patrols in partnership with Perth and Kinross Council staff. Despite these efforts, we continue to find significant numbers of campfires, many of which are large and have the potential to cause serious damage.”
Similar issues are being reported by FLS visitor services managers in the south, central and west regions of Scotland.
Incidents include a bin fire because a barbecue was not extinguished properly before being disposed of.
Fire crews were called to Glentress after smouldering logs from a campfire rolled down a bank and set the dry grass alight before spreading.
On top of the fire risk, it appears people are using wood or other fuel source that contains rusty nails, screws and metal staples, posing a potential hazard to other visitors, pets and wildlife.
The frequency of these incidents continues to place considerable pressure on staff resources and highlights the ongoing challenge of managing visitor behaviour in high-use recreational areas.
FLS Head of Visitor Services Stuart Chalmers added:
“One of the biggest threats to our woodlands is a disposable BBQ or a well-meaning campfire. That’s why we are asking everyone to protect Scotland’s landscape and most importantly our communities by swapping the campfire for a camping stove.”
FLS is reminding visitors to:
- obey local signage and restrictions
- avoid lighting fires and solid fuel BBQs
- take all litter and waste home
- leave no trace of their visit
- report wildfires immediately by calling 999 and asking for the Fire and Rescue Service
Notes to editors
- 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.
- Media enquiries to media@forestryandland.gov.scot