Forest fires in Scotland

Usually the growth of spring vegetation adds moisture but following an extended dry period, coupled with dead vegetation and drying winds, forest fires in Scotland are now more likely than usual for this period.

Last week’s snow and cold snap has delayed the greening up process and there are still extensive areas of dead vegetation which hold little or no moisture. Other vegetation such as heather have not started growing yet and are also dry and dormant. This means that in many areas there is a high chance of ignition. If a fire starts, given the dry ground and forecast winds, fire will spread easily over larger areas.

With the Muirburn Season having ended in April, controlled heather burning is not going to be the cause. Landowners should anticipate the threat posed by other heat sources like campfires, barbeques and bonfires. These are more frequent in spring and summer months and especially on public holidays.

Visitors should be made aware that there is a heightened risk forest fires in Scotland while this dry breezy weather continues. Lycetts’ Edinburgh office also has a number of specialist brokers experienced at managing insurance risk for commercial forestry in Scotland.