Prevent wildfires and prepare for smoke or evacuation

Prevent a fire before it starts

Check the local fire service and land manager's advice before visiting open land. Follow access restrictions and signs. Take a picnic that does not need cooking when fire risk is high; do not light countryside fires or use barbecues where they are prohibited.

Fully extinguish smoking materials and dispose of them safely. Take litter home, and do not release sky lanterns. At home, postpone bonfires during hot, dry or windy conditions. A small fire can escape into nearby vegetation.

National Fire Chiefs Council wildfire prevention advice (opens in a new tab)

Prepare if your home is near open land

Remove dead leaves, fallen branches and other easily burned material near the house. Keep vegetation maintained and consider how nearby woodpiles and outdoor storage could spread fire. Ask your local fire service for advice suited to the property.

Keep your address visible and access clear for emergency vehicles. Discuss evacuation with the household, including transport, pets, medicines and support needs. Do preparation before a fire starts; do not stay behind to defend possessions.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service advice for at-risk homes (opens in a new tab)

Report fire from a safe place

Stay away even if flames seem to have disappeared. Fire can continue smouldering or spreading underground.

• Move clear of the fire, smoke and surrounding vegetation.
• Call 999. Do not assume someone else has reported it.
• Describe the location, nearest road or access point and useful landmarks. Give a map grid reference if you have one.
• Tell the call handler what you can see from safety, including the direction of spread.
• Follow instructions and keep routes clear for emergency vehicles.

Ready Scotland: what to do if you see a wildfire (opens in a new tab)

Respond to smoke and local instructions

Follow emergency services and council instructions about sheltering or evacuation. If smoke is affecting your area and you are advised to remain indoors, close doors and windows. Avoid going into smoky areas; smoke can worsen breathing and heart conditions.

Keep medicines accessible and seek medical advice for new or worsening symptoms. Call 999 for an emergency. If heat and smoke affect your home together, follow local advice about safer places to stay rather than opening windows into heavy smoke.

Government wildfire safety advice (opens in a new tab)NHS inform: wildfire smoke and air pollution (opens in a new tab)

Your wildfire checklist

Wildfire danger information varies by area. Scotland publishes Wildfire Danger Assessments through its fire service. Check local fire-service advice elsewhere in the UK; a danger assessment does not mean a fire is already burning.

• Find your local fire service's updates and check restrictions for places you visit.
• Keep household contacts, essential medicines and a grab bag accessible.
• Agree how people and pets would leave and where you would meet.
• Keep access to the property clear and make sure the address is easy to identify.

Scotland: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Wildfire Danger Assessments (opens in a new tab)