In the following sections you can find advice on how to keep yourselves and your community safe from the risk of wildfires and fires in the open.
- We’re Wildfire Ready – home safety advice
- Wildfire advice for rural landowners
- Barbecues
- Countryside
Wildfire Statistics
Not all outdoor fires are wildfires.
Currently, there is no single definition of what constitutes a wildfire and categorisation varies across different agencies.
ESFRS statistics are based on the following:
Definition of a wildfire is based on the FRS Wildfire Operational Guidance document definition.
These are fires in the open affecting vegetation, e.g. woodland, grassland, crops, shrub land etc. that have to meet at least one or more of the following criteria:
- Involves an area greater than 1 hectare (bigger than a football pitch)
- Requires at least 4 fire appliances.
- Requires resources to be committed for more than 6 hours.
- Has a sustained flame length greater than 1.5m*.
- The fire is a serious danger to people, the environment, buildings, and roads*.
NB. All the above statistics reported as of 31 December 2024
Further information
The following links may provide additional information on how to be prepared and where to go if you have any concerns.
- Be prepared - advice from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
- Dry weather advice from the National Farmers Union
- Wildfires UK: Prepare and stay safe (redcross.org.uk)
If you have information about illegal fire setting and those responsible, please report them (anonymous) to firestoppersreport.co.uk online or by phone on 0800 169 5558
If you have concerns about children or young people who show concerning behaviour around fire then our education initiative Firewise can also help.