Campfire ban in Cairngorms National Park to come into force to cut wildfire risk

Campfires and barbecues will be banned in the Cairngorms National Park from Wednesday as part of moves to curb the risk of wildfires.

It is hoped the seasonal by-law, which will be in place until September 30, will help reduce the risk in the face of climate change which has led to longer, drier spring and summer months.

Last year, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) responded to more than 200 wildfires across Scotland.

These included what was said to have been the largest wildfire ever recorded in the United Kingdom, around Carrbridge and Dava Moor in the Highlands.

The maximum fine for breaking the by-law will be £500.

Sandy Bremner, convener at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “We want people to keep enjoying all that the national park offers but we also need everyone to help protect it.

“We know it only takes one rogue spark to start a wildfire and when there is so much to lose, we can’t take that risk.

“Alongside the new by-law, we are rolling out a major communications campaign which will focus on the message of ‘protect our national park. No flame, no spark’.

“Roadside signs, leaflets, social media and local business support will help ensure people know the rules before they arrive.

“We are also working with councils, estates, community groups and businesses to share information and take a joined-up approach.”

The park authority said that more than 100 rangers, a record number, will be deployed across the area this summer and there will also be joint patrols with Police Scotland at key hotspots.

Area commander Robert Lennox, a local senior officer with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Wildfires pose a real risk to people, properties and nature. Each wildfire we respond to can have a significant impact on our resources and these incidents are often in remote locations, which take time to reach.

“Extreme weather events are becoming more common across Scotland and we know that communities in the Cairngorms have felt this acutely in recent years, with floods, drought and wildfires.

“This by-law is an important new tool to tackle wildfire risk and safeguard the national park.”

The by-law, which comes into force on April 1, was approved by Scottish Government ministers in 2025 following a major consultation.

The park authority said 79% of the 1,600 people who responded to the consultation supported the introduction of a seasonal fire by-law.

Established in 2003, the Cairngorms National Park is the UK’s largest national park at 4,528sq km.