Firefighters have been battling a significant grassfire in the Kilpatrick Hills region of West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, following an upgrade to an "extreme" wildfire risk warning issued across the area. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) received reports about the wildfire near Bowling at around 2:13 PM on March 20, 2025. Four fire appliances were dispatched to combat the flames, which have been described by officials as a "fairly significant" incident.
Local authorities were alerted to the situation early in the afternoon as smoke and flames became visible from surrounding areas. The fire is occurring in a region where a very high wildfire risk had already been communicated just days prior. On March 17, SFRS had initially issued warnings for the entirety of central and south-west Scotland, emphasizing the dangers posed during this exceptionally dry spell.
SFRS crews worked tirelessly to control the blaze throughout the late afternoon and evening. However, they were forced to temporarily withdraw from the scene just after 10 PM due to diminishing light, with plans to return first thing on March 21. In a statement to the public, SFRS reassured residents that there was no immediate threat to life or property.
Amid the worsening conditions noted by eyewitnesses, reports surfaced indicating that flames were intensifying, further raising concern about the potential spread of the wildfire. SNP Councillor Lauren Oxley expressed her worry on social media, stating, "Worrying to see the Kilpatrick Hills on fire 😢. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are aware of the situation and are working hard to tackle it - thanks to all of the crew."
As overnight temperatures rise alongside changing weather conditions, officials warn that a period of extreme wildfire risk will kick in, effective March 21, where temperatures may reach as high as 18 degrees Celsius. This potential increase in temperature was causing alarm for local residents who are already apprehensive about the dry, tinderbox-like conditions that have been plaguing the region.
In light of these developments, the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park officials reiterated earlier warnings issued by the SFRS, calling on the public to avoid barbecues or open fires as part of efforts to mitigate risks and prevent further outbreaks. The park has been under a very high risk alert since March 17, which will escalate to a more serious warning on Friday.
Fires like these are not uncommon during peak wildfire seasons in Scotland. On average, the SFRS responds to approximately 170 large outdoor fires annually, and in a staggering majority of cases, the cause is linked to human activity — strikingly, nearly two-thirds of wildfires stem from accidental ignitions such as discarded cigarettes or uncontrolled campfires.
Current fire service assessments designate wildfires defined as large uncontrolled outdoor fires that exceed 1,000 square meters in area. Authorities have stressed the need for community vigilance, especially in times of extraordinary weather conditions where the likelihood of fire danger amplifies.
As drying winds and high temperatures create a perfect environment for potential fires, officials are urging members of the public to take caution and thoroughly extinguish any campfires and manage all thermal activities responsibly.
According to area commander Michael Humphreys from the SFRS Wildfire Lead, the public needs to exercise responsibility when it comes to fire-setting—emphasizing, "It is crucial that people understand the impact of careless fire-setting. Even with the best intentions, small fires can rapidly spread causing devastating damage."
Overall, the situation remains fluid as firefighting efforts persist and monitoring continues throughout affected areas in Scotland. Communities in the region are advised to remain alert and follow updates from local authorities alongside the SFRS to stay informed regarding any changes in alert status or safety measures ahead of the anticipated extreme conditions.
For more information regarding wildfire safety and prevention, local residents can reference the SFRS guidelines or consult community resources related to the risks of outdoor fires. Stay safe, stay informed!
