Scotland is one of the finest touring destinations in Europe. But the same landscapes that make it so spectacular, ancient heather moorland, Caledonian pine forests and deep peat bogs, can, in the right conditions, become a serious wildfire risk. The recent wildfire incidents at home and abroad have brought that reality home for visitors, residents and land managers alike. Here's what every caravan and motorhome owner should know before they head into the hills.
Summer touring in Scotland is all about exploring incredible landscapes, from the Highlands to remote coastal routes. But with more frequent periods of dry weather, it's more important than ever that we all take care of the places we love to visit.
We've put together some simple wildfire safety tips every caravan and motorhome owner should know before heading off on their next adventure.
THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE LIGHTING AN OPEN FIRE
A significant proportion of wildfires in Scotland are caused by human activity, meaning the choices we make as visitors can genuinely reduce the risk. The most important choice here is whether to light a fire.
Even where open fires are technically permitted under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, conditions should always dictate the decision. If the ground is dry and there hasn't been significant rainfall for several days, it is not the day for a campfire, regardless of what the rules technically allow.
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Tip: Always check whether bans are in place in the area you are visiting before you arrive and respect them without exception. |
HANDLE DISPOSABLE BARBECUES WITH CARE
Disposable barbecues are a particular and well-documented wildfire hazard. The base remains dangerously hot long after the coals appear to have gone out. Placing one on dry grass, heather or even a wooden picnic table can start a fire hours after you've finished cooking and walked away, entirely unaware.
If you use a disposable barbecue, always let it cool completely. Douse it thoroughly with water and dispose of it in a bin, rather than leaving it on the ground. Better still, invest in a small reusable barbecue with legs that keep the heat source away from the ground or switch to the camping stove and reduce the risk.
USE A CAMPING STOVE INSTEAD
A gas camping stove greatly reduces the risk by keeping the flame contained and away from dry ground vegetation. It is faster, more controllable and produces no embers or ash that can be carried by the wind into surrounding vegetation.
If you tour regularly in Scotland, a quality camping stove is a worthwhile investment and a safer alternative during dry periods. The convenience of a campfire isn't worth the risk in any dry spell.
DISPOSE OF CIGARETTES SAFELY
A lit cigarette in dry vegetation is all it takes. This is not a theoretical risk, it is a documented and recurring cause of wildfires across Scotland and the wider UK. If you smoke, use a proper portable ashtray and ensure everything is fully extinguished before disposal. Never flick a cigarette end out of a vehicle window or drop one on the ground in a rural area.
PARK WITH THE LANDSCAPE IN MIND
This one is less well known, but worth understanding. A hot exhaust system in contact with dry vegetation can ignite a fire, particularly after a long motorway run when the exhaust is at its hottest. When parking up in rural moorland areas, take a moment to consider where your exhaust is positioned in relation to the ground vegetation around it.
Avoid pulling onto long, dry grass where possible. If you are stopping for a break in a remote area, park on a hard surface or bare ground where it exists.
QUICK WILDFIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR TOURERS✅ Check local wildfire risk levels before travelling |
CHECK THE WILDFIRE RISK RATING BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service publishes wildfire risk information during high-risk periods. National parks and land management bodies issue alerts and access restrictions when conditions are dangerous. Before touring any highland or moorland areas during a dry spell, check the current risk level and any active restrictions. If the area you're planning to visit is rated very high or extreme, adjust your plans accordingly and certainly don't light any kind of fire while you're there.
KNOW HOW TO EVACUATE QUICKLY
Prevention is the priority, but preparation matters too. If you're staying on or near moorland or a forest in dry conditions, keep your vehicle in a state where it can be moved without significant delay. Awnings, bike racks and levelling systems all take time to reverse under pressure. In a wildfire situation, the window between a warning and an urgent evacuation can be very short.
A motorhome may simply need the engine started and essentials packed away, but caravans can take longer to prepare. Disconnecting electric, winding up steadies, removing wheel chocks and hitching up all take valuable time. If you have a caravan, consider where you have parked your car and whether you could hitch up quickly if conditions changed.
When you arrive at any site, take a moment to note where the exits are and how you'd get your vehicle out in an emergency. It takes less than a minute and could make all the difference.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS WITHOUT DELAY
In a dynamic wildfire situation, conditions can change very quickly. What appears manageable at midday, can become critical by mid-afternoon. When a site or the emergency services tell you to leave, leave. Don't wait to see how things develop.
Monitor the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, Police Scotland, and the relevant national park or land management body on social media during any period of elevated risk. These organisations push updates quickly and being informed gives you the best possible chance of making the right decision at the right time.
RESPECT THE LANDSCAPE YOU ARE VISITING
Scotland's landscapes are not just beautiful, they are irreplaceable habitats that have taken centuries to develop. Ancient Caledonian pine forests affected by wildfire can take generations to recover. Every visitor has a responsibility to the landscape they're enjoying and in dry conditions that responsibility is heightened.
We know how special exploring Scotland's landscapes can be. By taking a few simple precautions, we can help protect the places that make touring here so memorable.
If there's any doubt, don't light it. The view from the pitch is just as breathtaking without a fire in front of it.
FROM TCC SERVICESLET'S PROTECT THE OUTDOORSWe're based in Aberdeenshire and care deeply about the landscapes our customers have the joy of touring in. If you have any questions about gas safety on your leisure vehicle, or want advice on keeping your caravan or motorhome properly maintained and ready for safe touring, get in touch, we're always happy to help. |
