Residents and visitors across Moray are being urged to take extra care outdoors after a “very high” wildfire risk warning was issued for the area. The appeal, made by the council’s chair of the Police and Fire and Rescue Services Committee, highlights how quickly fires can start and spread in the current conditions.
Why the warning has been issued
Moray has seen a period of hot, dry weather that, according to the council statement, produces the conditions wildfires need to ignite and move rapidly. The message follows a number of significant incidents elsewhere in Scotland in recent weeks, including a continuing fire in the Cairngorms.
“The recent hot and dry weather creates the kind of conditions wildfires need to start quickly and spread rapidly,” Councillor Peter Bloomfield said.
In his statement Cllr Bloomfield referred to past local incidents to underline the threat. He cited the blaze at Culbin Forest last year and the fire on Dava Moor, described as the largest ever recorded in Scotland, as reminders of the potential scale and impact of wildfires.
Advice for people using the outdoors
The council is urging everyone enjoying Moray’s countryside and coastal areas to act responsibly to reduce risk. The statement set out practical steps people should take to avoid inadvertently starting a fire.
- Avoid lighting open fires or barbecues in vulnerable locations.
- Dispose of litter safely, particularly glass and combustible materials.
- Follow any guidance or directions given by emergency services and land managers.
Cllr Bloomfield also paid tribute to those working to control fires elsewhere, including volunteer crews, noting the challenging and dangerous conditions they face.
Local context and consequences
Wildfires can present immediate danger to people and property, as well as causing lasting environmental damage. Where fires do ignite, they have previously forced evacuations of nearby homes and required sustained firefighting efforts. The current advisory is intended to lower the chance of further incidents by encouraging preventative action across communities and among visitors.
| Location | Noted detail |
|---|---|
| Culbin Forest | Significant blaze in Moray last year |
| Dava Moor | Described as Scotland's largest recorded moor fire |
| Cairngorms | Ongoing large incident referenced by the council |
Preventing wildfire was described by the council as a shared responsibility. By taking simple precautions people can reduce the chance of an incident that might threaten lives, homes and the natural environment on which many in Moray depend.
