A significant wildfire in the Trossachs region has been linked to a disposable barbecue, resulting in the devastation of an area equivalent to two rugby pitches. The blaze occurred in the Glen Finglas area of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park on Saturday, destroying approximately two hectares of habitat and leading to the deaths of numerous nesting birds, lizards, slow worms, voles, and other wildlife.
Dramatic images from the scene, shared by Woodland Trust Scotland, depict the extensive devastation caused by the fire, with a disposable barbecue found at the site still bearing a charred burger. This incident has raised alarms regarding the ongoing wildfire risk in Scotland, particularly as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) had issued a high to extreme wildfire warning across several regions of the country at the time.
George Anderson from Woodland Trust Scotland highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “An area roughly the size of two rugby pitches has been devastated,” and emphasized the ecological impact, noting the loss of “hundreds of nesting birds” as well as various other species. He remarked that the incident could have been prevented had individuals opted for a picnic instead of lighting a barbecue.
The Woodland Trust reported that the wildfire risk to people, wildlife, and natural habitats is significant, urging the public to refrain from outdoor fires in woods, parks, and green spaces. The incident follows a distressing trend, as only a week prior, the SFRS and the Scottish Wildfire Forum had warned the public to avoid igniting any fires during the hazardous conditions. Earlier in the month, another wildfire on the Isle of Arran lasted five days, severely affecting Glen Rosa and requiring helicopters to rescue campers from Galloway Forest Park due to another blaze.
Anderson further cautioned that “barbecues and campfires can spark disaster,” and recommended that smokers take precautions to ensure their extinguished cigarettes are safely disposed of to prevent smouldering hazards. He referenced a significant fire at a Woodland Trust site in England in 2018, underlining the long-lasting impact such incidents can have on ecosystems and communities.
He expressed gratitude for the swift response from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, which was able to control the fire within a couple of hours, and acknowledged the alertness of a diligent member of the public. Anderson reflected on the potential scale of destruction, stating, “Saturday’s Glen Finglas fire was bad but it could have been much worse," and warned that climate change may lead to increasingly frequent conditions conducive to uncontrollable fires.
The Woodland Trust’s comments serve as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities of outdoor enthusiasts and the potential consequences of disregarding fire safety in natural areas, particularly amid rising temperatures and dry conditions across the country.
Source: Noah Wire Services