Wildfires: strategic action plan

Ministerial Foreword

Scotland is facing a serious and escalating threat from wildfires. The events of 2025, including the largest wildfire ever recorded in the United Kingdom around Carrbridge and Dava Moor, demonstrated with unprecedented clarity how vulnerable our landscapes, communities and infrastructure have become to a changing climate.

Last year’s wildfires destroyed thousands of hectares of precious peatland, woodland and moorland habitats. They disrupted lives and livelihoods and they released vast quantities of carbon into the atmosphere, undermining our collective efforts to build a more climate resilient Scotland.

Yet these events also showed Scotland at its best. The response from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), land managers, game keepers, rural workers, volunteers and communities across the country was exceptional. Their skill, commitment and collaboration prevented even greater damage and safeguarded people, wildlife and property during a period of intense pressure.

It is clear, however, that wildfires can no longer be considered a seasonal or isolated risk. As our climate becomes warmer and drier, and as extreme weather patterns intensify, Scotland must strengthen its resilience and its ability to prevent, prepare for and respond to wildfire events. That is why the Scottish Government has worked closely with the SFRS, land managers, public bodies and partners across the resilience system to develop this Strategic Action Plan.

This plan sets out decisive, practical and evidence‑based actions to improve public awareness, strengthen prevention and preparedness, enhance our wildfire warning systems, and ensure a coordinated, multi‑agency response. It reflects our commitment to supporting land-based workers and rural communities, who play a vital role in managing Scotland’s landscapes and preventing wildfires before they start. It also marks the start of an evolving programme of work which will continually improve our preparedness, planning and response to wildfires for commencement of the 2026 wildfires season and beyond.

Through this Action Plan, we reaffirm our collective responsibility: government, public bodies, land managers, communities and individuals all have a part to play in reducing wildfire risks and protecting our natural environment for future generations. Working together, we can improve Scotland’s resilience and ensure we are better prepared for the challenges the changing climate will continue to bring.

We are grateful to all those who contributed their experience, expertise and insight in shaping this plan. Their ongoing commitment reflects the shared ambition we hold for a safer, more resilient and more sustainable Scotland.

Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity

Siobhian Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety