Spring is the most critical period for wildfires in Scotland and in recognition of this increased risk Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) has launched its Wildfire Prevention Campaign to highlight the issue.

The campaign is urging the public to be aware of wildfire risk this Spring as figures show almost 80% of large outdoor fires since 2010 were recorded between March and May.

The campaign is promoting key prevention messages to help educate people on how to behave responsibly when outdoors and how to keep safe and minimise the risk of wildfires.

With sensible precautions, the public can play a crucial part in preventing wildfires from damaging wildlife, environment and rural communities.

Welcoming the campaign, Martin Whitfield MSP said: 

“I welcome this important campaign from Scottish Fire & Rescue to help raise awareness of the risk of wildfires. We have already seen wildfire warnings in parts of South Scotland this year and it’s important that people are aware of the risks and how to minimise them when they are out in our countryside.”

Find out more at www.firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/wildfires.