Photo by Greg Macvean

Photo by Greg Macvean

‘Zero tolerance’ for fire-starters

The number of deliberate fires has risen at the same time as the country
experiences a massive increase in wildfires

By Gemma Fraser
Head of content 

‘Zero tolerance’ for fire-starters

The number of deliberate fires has risen at the same time as the country experiences a massive increase in wildfires

By Gemma Fraser
Head of content

Police and fire chiefs have warned they will take a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to wilful fire-raising as new figures show a rise in deliberate building and vehicle blazes.

In the last quarter of 2024/25, there were 226 deliberate building fires and 185 deliberate vehicle fires – up 15 per cent and 21 per cent on the same period the previous year, according to new figures.

Emergency services have warned of the devastating consequences of such fires and have vowed to work together to bring those responsible to justice.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) attended more than 30 deliberate fires a day across Scotland last summer during just three months, while the number of wildfires attended so far this year is far higher than any previous year.

Assistant Chief Officer Jon Henderson, SFRS director of prevention, protection and preparedness, said: “If our crews are putting out more than 30 deliberate fires a day during summer then that’s time that could be spent elsewhere dealing with genuine emergencies.

“Deliberate fire-setting, whether it’s affecting a derelict building or woodland, is a crime and it can have a serious impact on local communities, as well as the potential for someone to get badly hurt or worse.

“Deliberately setting fires is not only reckless and criminal, but it also places lives at risk”
Superintendent Joanne McEwan

“We want those responsible to understand that getting involved in this type of behaviour can also impact negatively on your future.

“We’ll continue to take a zero-tolerance approach and will work with our police partners to identify those responsible.”

Police Scotland Superintendent Joanne McEwan told 1919: “Deliberately setting fires is not only reckless and criminal, but it also places lives at risk. Fires spread quickly and unpredictably, and the results can be devastating.

“What may be seen by some as a thoughtless act of vandalism can have devastating consequences for families, businesses and communities.

“We work closely with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partner agencies to establish any patterns, identify those responsible and provide reassurance.

“We would continue to ask for the support of the public in tackling this issue. If you see suspicious activity around vehicles, buildings, waste ground, please report it.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is in the middle of a public consultation looking at 23 change options, including the closure of up to 13 stations, the withdrawal of 10 appliances, and new arrangements for night and weekend cover.

Rise in wildfires a burning issue

The number of wildfires in Scotland has tripled over the last year, sparking fears over the devastating impact on wildlife, ecosystem, environment and emergency services.

More than 187 wildfires have occurred in the first half of 2025 alone, compared with 55 last year.

Over the last 10 years, more than 1,500 wildfires have broken out in Scotland.

Prof Rory Hadden, chair of fire science at the University of Edinburgh, warned the upward trend is likely to continue.

He said: “It is widely expected that the number of wildfires will increase in Scotland (and the UK) as we see more periods of extreme weather driven by climate change.

“The recent fine weather means that vegetation has dried out and becomes susceptible to ignition sources.

“Even a small heat source such as a BBQ or campfire can initiate a wildfire either by direct flame contact with vegetation, or by igniting a smouldering fire in dry vegetation and soils which will later transition to a flaming fire.”

Hadden pointed out that the “leading cause of wildfires is people”, and said no-one should use barbecues and campfires outside designated areas.

The major wildfire which broke out on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh last month (pictured above) was the result of human activity, according to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, though it has not been determined whether this was deliberate.

“The impacts of these fires are of course significant,” continued Hadden.

“There is a huge cost to the fire and rescue services in fighting and managing these fires – drawing resources from a wide area.

“There is the destruction of natural capital – the countryside provides important ecosystem services that we all rely on and these are impacted negatively by wildfires. Loss of vegetation impacts on wildlife.

“The smoke is harmful and can impact on people large distances away, exacerbating respiratory conditions.

“If the fire burns into peat soils then the loss of carbon to the atmosphere will be significant and may drive future climate change. There is also possibility of loss of property as fires move towards settlements – farms, villages, towns.

“While there is ongoing research on this topic, there is lots we do not know around the changes in risk to people, property and environment posed by wildfires in Scotland and the UK.”

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