A significant fire, spanning an area approximately the size of two rugby pitches, erupted in the Trossachs region, attributed to a discarded disposable barbecue. The incident occurred in the Glen Finglas area of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which is home to the largest Woodland Trust site in the UK, and is part of the Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve.
Dramatic photographs captured the extent of the damage, which reportedly destroyed around two hectares of land. George Anderson of Woodland Trust Scotland detailed the impact, stating, “An area roughly the size of two rugby pitches has been devastated. At this time of year that means hundreds of nesting birds have been killed, along with lizards, slow worms, voles and other wildlife.” A striking detail from the scene included a disposable barbecue discovered with a charred burger still atop it.
The fire took place while a high to extreme wildfire risk warning was active across parts of north-east, central, and southern Scotland, as issued by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). In light of increasing fire hazards, both the SFRS and the Scottish Wildfire Forum had previously urged the public to refrain from lighting fires outdoors.
This incident follows a series of alarming wildfire events in Scotland, including a recent five-day blaze on Arran that severely impacted Glen Rosa. Furthermore, responders had to rescue campers by helicopter from another fire incident in Galloway Forest Park.
The Woodland Trust expressed concerns regarding the escalating frequency of wildfires as a result of climate change. Mr Anderson remarked, “Barbecues and campfires can spark disaster. Even a single ember can ignite wildfires that rage out of control, posing serious threats to people, communities, homes, and properties.” He referenced a devastating fire at a Woodland Trust site in England in 2018, underscoring the potential for such incidents to escalate.
Following the Glen Finglas fire, Mr Anderson acknowledged the swift response from both the public and the SFRS, noting that the alert from a member of the public helped streamline the containment of the fire within a couple of hours. “Thanks to them and to the person who raised the alert. I look at the images from Dartmoor and shudder. That could have been us,” he concluded, highlighting the gravity of fire risks in natural spaces and the surrounding areas.
Source: Noah Wire Services