Firefighters across the United Kingdom are contending with multiple wildfires as warm, dry weather exacerbates dangerous conditions. A new blaze erupted at Edinburgh's Arthur's Seat on Sunday evening, drawing a significant response from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).
SFRS reported being alerted to the Arthur's Seat fire at 6:38 p.m. on Sunday. Four fire appliances were dispatched, and crews continued to work on the incident into the evening. No casualties have been reported.
This incident occurs as firefighters remain engaged in one of Scotland's most extensive wildfires in recent years within the Cairngorms National Park. Crews have been working continuously since Wednesday to contain a wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy, close to Nethy Bridge. The blaze has already impacted over a square mile of heathland and woodland, leading to the precautionary evacuation of nearby homes and businesses.
Community council chairman Sandy McCook noted that a shift in wind direction prevented the fire from spreading into Abernethy Forest and the village of Nethy Bridge. He expressed concern that the dry conditions could allow the fire to persist for an extended period, with warm and dry weather forecasted for the upcoming week.
Firefighters have characterized the Cairngorms blaze as a complex and challenging incident due to the mountainous terrain. On Sunday, the SFRS indicated substantial progress had been made but cautioned that the wildfire remains unpredictable. Six fire appliances, two all-terrain vehicles, a wildfire support unit, and a water carrier are still on site. While encouraging signs of improvement are visible, SFRS stressed that wildfires can change rapidly and urged the public to remain vigilant and stay away from the affected area. Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich remain closed.
Elsewhere, a substantial firefighting operation is underway on Tintwistle Moor near Glossop, where Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has been battling a major moorland fire since June 24. The fire has affected approximately 260 hectares (642 acres) of land. More than 100 firefighters and volunteers are involved in operations across Derbyshire and neighboring Greater Manchester, supported by specialist resources from other UK fire services. Four helicopters have been deployed to drop water on hotspots across Didsbury Intake, Featherbed Moss, Arnfield Moor, and Crowden. Fire chiefs have warned that controlled burns may increase smoke in the area, and strict airspace restrictions are in place due to helicopter operations. The public is reminded that drone usage is prohibited to ensure the safety of aircraft involved in the response. Fire crews anticipate remaining at the scene into the following week.
The series of wildfire incidents coincides with warm weather across much of the UK, with temperatures expected to reach 27C (81F) in parts of England on Monday. Forecasters predict continued dry conditions throughout the week, increasing the risk of further grass and heath fires. Looking ahead, some weather models suggest a significant heat surge could occur before the end of July, with potential temperatures climbing into the low 30s Celsius, possibly reaching 38C (100.4F) in some areas by July 29, which would exceed the UK's highest recorded temperature for the year to date. However, the Met Office advises caution regarding longer-range forecasts, noting it is too early to confirm persistent heatwave conditions but indicating temperatures are likely to remain above average with the potential for further hot spells.