Raging inferno engulfs Arthur's Seat, renowned hiking destination publicized by the Netflix series One Day, located in Scotland.
Wildfire Breaks Out on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh
A wildfire has broken out on Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano near Edinburgh Castle, causing concern for local authorities and tourists alike. This is not an uncommon occurrence, as wildfires on Arthur's Seat have occurred relatively frequently, often burning small areas of vegetation like gorse and heather.
The fire, which started on August 10 at 4pm, is thought to have been started by human activity. In the past, significant fires like the one that occurred in August 2025 have spread quickly through the steep hillside, requiring fire crews to work overnight to control them. Historically, a notable gorse fire in February 2019 burned about 800 square meters of the site, illustrating that such events are not uncommon.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is currently battling the fire, with two fire appliances remaining at the scene to dampen down hotspots. The public is urged to stay away from the area to allow the firefighters to do their job effectively.
Arthur's Seat is a popular tourist destination, and the fire broke out during the city's busiest tourist period of the year. The Edinburgh Festival, which runs throughout August, has made the city even busier than usual. As a result, large plumes of smoke from the fire are visible from a distance, and the public is advised to take precautions when hiking in wildfire smoke.
To stay safe, hikers are advised to use the best hiking water bottles to stay hydrated at camp and on the trails, as well as the best hiking boots for protection on trails. It is also important to read about wildfire safety before setting off to recreate in hot, dry weather.
The fire at Arthur's Seat follows a warm, dry summer in Scotland, which has made the area more susceptible to wildfires. However, there is no indication that extremely large or catastrophic wildfires have been frequent there; the fires usually affect relatively limited areas.
The last major wildfire on Arthur's Seat was in February 2019. Less than six weeks ago, three "off the scale" wildfires caught the Scottish Highlands alight, highlighting the importance of wildfire safety and responsible human behaviour.
No casualties have been reported as of the morning update, and it is hoped that the fire will be contained soon. In the meantime, visitors to Edinburgh are advised to exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities.
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