Overview
- Scottish fire officials said western areas face very high wildfire risk rising to extreme from Friday through Sunday, with central and eastern regions on very high alert for the same period.
- Fire crews are tackling a large blaze on Kincorth Hill in Aberdeen, with smoke over the city and advice for nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed.
- In England, East Sussex fire leaders reported a very high fire severity index, a gauge of how intense a blaze could become, and urged people to avoid bonfires, campfires and barbecues.
- Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour asked the public to avoid lighting outdoor fires, warned that one spark can spread, and told anyone who sees a large outdoor fire to call 999.
- Experts warn that longer dry spells leave grass, peat and gorse ready to burn, a risk underscored by major UK wildfires in 2022.