Wild Fires - What Should I Do?

andrew27812
May 28
3 min read

The topic of wildfires has been highlighted a lot recently and it is important to remember that Wildfires are not planned and therefore are unexpected events.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Services are responsible for the control (and extinguishing) of wildfires and as such they are the ones who will ultimately be in charge.

Neighbouring farm and estate staff who offer assistance are purely there as helpers and must operate under the direction of the fire services at all times.

Therefore farms / estate should prepare themselves as best they can. We advise that estates should have measures in place in the event of a wildfire occurring on their own or on neighbouring ground and should consider having the following in place:

1. Ensure suitable fire fighting equipment is available such as Fire Beaters, Fogging Units, Topper / Swipe to cut fire breaks (if possible). The Farm / Estate machinery must (continue to be) well maintained with pre-use inspections being implemented (standard practice).

2. A briefing must be given by the Farm / Estate needing assistance so that work can be co-ordinated between all parties involved, be it other Farm / Estate staff or the fire / emergency services. Establish Emergency RV Points so that access to where the wildfire is easier and also where to direct emergency services to in the event of harm / injury etc.

3. The Farm / Estate's (needing assistance) fire plan / emergency response procedures must be made known and followed - this will include establishing communications methods between working all parties etc. - VHF radios, Mobile phones etc.

4. Increase awareness (given to public etc) to prevent fire outbreaks - No BBQ, no campfires etc in summer months (April - September for example).

5. Ongoing land management should lessen the likelihood of a wildfire through active land management such as heather burning etc - reducing the fire load is very effective.

6. Staff should be suitably trained in fire control (Muirburn) - Bright Sparks Training is a good starting point to consider - www.brightsparkburningtechniques.co.uk

The Scottish Fire and Rescue services have some useful information on their website (https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/wildfires/our-wildfire-strategy/#section2) relating to wildfires and this should be looked at further.

It is important to note that Farms / Estates should assist with wildfires but primarily through prevention, preparedness, cooperation and recovery with active firefighting being left to trained responders.

The final point to consider would be to seek confirmation from the Farm / Estates insurance company to make certain that the policy includes assistance with wildfires.

The below is a link to the recently published Strategic Action Plan on Wildfires for reference:

www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/strategy-plan/2026/03/strategic-action-plan-wildfires/documents/strategic-action-plan-wildfires/strategic-action-plan-wildfires/govscot%3Adocument/strategic-action-plan-wildfires.pdf

Community Asset Register

As you will see there is talk about Farms / Estates signing up to a Community Asset Register in order for them to provide assistance when Wildfires break out which should be considered.

What is a Community Asset register We hear you say…

‘The Community Asset Register is a Scotland wide database of volunteers who are willing to provide help during an emergency. The database plots assets (people, skills and / or equipment) on a map so if an emergency incident occurs, it is easier to identify those in closer proximity who can help.

You can find out more in our Community Asset Register presentation and Community Asset Register leaflet’.

To register, complete our application form and return it to SFRS.CommunityAssetRegister@firescotland.gov.uk. Once you've completed the application, we'll ask you to complete a short online induction.

Then, you'll be asked to sign a minute of agreement. This explains what we expect of you and what you can expect of us. For more information, please email us on SFRS.CommunityAssetRegister@firescotland.gov.uk