Scotland faces significant vulnerability to wildfires due to an over-reliance on "goodwill and improvisation" rather than a planned, exercised wildfire resilience system, according to a report by Scottish Land & Estates (SLE). The findings come in the wake of a major wildfire that ravaged 12 square miles of the Cairngorms National Park in July.
The fire, which broke out on Abernethy National Nature Reserve on July 15, lasted nearly five weeks and had a substantial impact on wildlife. During this period, an estimated 300 volunteering days were recorded, and private-sector equipment valued at £6.4 million, including bulldozers and all-terrain vehicles, was utilized to help contain the blaze.
Ross Ewing of SLE, the report's author, stated that the incident "exposed a dangerous weakness" in the country's approach. He argued that Scotland should not depend on last-minute calls for assistance during active wildfires but should instead have a "properly planned process."
"This must come as part of a properly planned process rather than a last-minute call as a wildfire begins to rage," Ewing said.
The report criticizes the current policy approach to muirburn, which it suggests could undermine the rural capability necessary for emergency situations. It also points to uncertain helicopter availability as a concern.
Political reactions highlighted concerns over the government's response time. Tim Eagle, a Tory MSP for the Highlands and Islands, called the nine-day delay before the Scottish Government's first emergency meeting following the fire's outbreak "unbelievable," particularly as it occurred hours after police declared it a major incident. He noted that this meeting only happened after ministers appeared to downplay the fire's seriousness, alarming residents who had already evacuated their homes and closed businesses.
SLE is advocating for a "dedicated helicopter and pilot services framework for wildfire response with guaranteed availability." The organization also calls for an "urgent shift from ad hoc assistance to a formal wildfire capability system." This includes establishing a standard mobilization and tasking process, creating wildfire groups in high-risk areas, and implementing a joint exercise program involving land managers, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and public agencies before the next high-risk season.
Andrew Baxter, Lib Dem rural affairs spokesman, has called for a cross-party summit to ensure lessons are learned and to prevent a recurrence of the summer's events, which he described as leaving an "apocalyptic and desolate imprint on one of the most beautiful parts of the country."
Scottish Labour's Pauline McNeill echoed concerns about response times, stating, "It cannot be the case that in future emergency situations, there is such a delay."