Firefighters Battle Arthur's Seat Wildfire

Local firefighters have mostly tempered the major wildfire that broke out on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh late Sunday afternoon. According to a statement released by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), the blaze was reported at 4:05pm on 10 August and prompted the “mobilisation of four fire appliances and specialist resources” to the scene.

Crews arriving at the popular landmark were confronted with a large and fast-moving gorse fire on the southern and eastern slopes of the hill. In conversation with The Saint, one firefighter on the ground described how fire teams from different stations rotated in shifts to sustain the operation. An ATV (all-terrain vehicle) was likewise used to soak a natural track on the east side of the fire, the moistened terrain preventing the flames from spreading further downhill towards residential areas. 

By mid-morning Monday, the eastern flank had largely exhausted its available fuel and was deemed contained by crews on site. Operations were accordingly scaled back, with two fire engines remaining at the scene and a third en route to assist with “damping down hotspots” that continue to “flare up” on the southern flank. 

The same firefighter also said that there was “no idea” as to what had sparked the fire, though SFRS Group Commander Niall MacLennan later stated that the “majority of fires of this nature are started by human behaviour”.

No casualties have been reported at this time. However, as a precaution, large areas of Holyrood Park have been evacuated of pedestrians, and several roads — including parts of Duddingston Low Road and Queen’s Drive — remain closed to motorists. Police Scotland and the SFRS likewise continue to urge members of the public to “avoid the area” while emergency crews complete their work.  

The latest incident comes after Scotland’s driest spring on record since 1964, and just weeks after several large wildfires swept across moorland in the Highlands. As a reminder, the SFRS has issued multiple wildfire warnings this year and has repeatedly called on the public to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at all times.