Forestry and Land Scotland is urging visitors to the countryside to be on high alert as wildfire risks soar.
The plea comes after fire crews tackled several blazes across Scotland, including one in Galloway Forest Park.
The combination of hot weather and a lack of rain has created the perfect conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread.
Graeme Prest, Director of Land Management and Regions for FLS, warned that a single spark can unleash devastating consequences.
He stressed the importance of not lighting campfires under any circumstances during this high-risk period.
Visitors are being told to properly extinguish cigarettes and to ditch disposable barbecues in favour of safer options.
Gas barbecues and camping stoves are considered safer, but even then, precautions are vital.
They should be placed on stable, level, fire-resistant surfaces and kept well clear of flammable material.
FLS is echoing the Scottish Outdoor Access Code with a simple message: Respect, Protect and Enjoy responsibly.
Easter holidaymakers are being asked to think carefully before lighting anything in wild or rural areas.
If a wildfire is spotted, the advice is simple and urgent—call 999 immediately.
Wildfires pose a serious risk to people, wildlife, homes and property, and can spread with alarming speed.
Fire crews responding to such emergencies also risk being diverted from other critical incidents.
This can endanger lives elsewhere, whether on the road or in communities relying on emergency response.
Graeme Prest praised the commitment of Scotland’s fire service and support teams.
He noted that crews are best able to help those in need when their resources are not tied up with preventable blazes.
The call for vigilance is not just about protecting the countryside but about saving lives.
Everyone heading outdoors in the coming weeks has a part to play in preventing disaster.
One careless moment can undo years of woodland growth and destroy vital habitats.
It can also place frontline responders under immense pressure at a time when demand is already high.
So, before you light it, think.
And better yet, don’t light it at all.
