Arthur's Seat Fire Update: Are Firefighters Still Battling The Blaze? Here's Which Sites Are In Danger

A wildfire broke out on Edinburgh's iconic landmark, Arthur's Seat, on Sunday afternoon, burning large areas of gorse and sending smoke drifting across the city. The blaze has triggered a major emergency response, with parts of Holyrood Park closed and nearby routes restricted.

According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), crews have been working through the night to contain the flames, which spread rapidly in strong winds and dry summer conditions. Authorities have urged residents and visitors to stay away while they work to protect nearby heritage sites, residential areas and walking routes.

Fire Crews Remain on Scene

SFRS said it was first alerted to the incident at about 4.05pm on Sunday. Four fire appliances and specialist units were dispatched, with crews remaining on site overnight. The Times reports that two appliances were still operating as of 6.30am on Monday.

The Guardian notes that strong winds and parched vegetation have made the blaze more difficult to control, with this year's prolonged dry spell significantly increasing wildfire risk across Scotland and the wider UK.

Sites Under Threat

Arthur's Seat, a 251-metre extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, overlooks key sites including the Scottish Parliament, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh's Old Town, according to Reuters. Police Scotland and SFRS have also identified nearby districts such as Willowbrae and Duddingston as areas to avoid to ensure fire crews can maintain clear access.

Portions of Holyrood Park remain closed, cutting off popular hiking routes including the Radical Road and Queen's Drive. ITVX reports that some festival-related outdoor areas near the park have been temporarily restricted as a precaution.

Festival Impact and Local Concerns

Edinburgh Live says the fire comes during one of the city's busiest periods, with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and International Arts Festival under way. While no major cancellations have been reported, access restrictions and road closures may affect travel for audiences and performers.

Local tourism officials have warned that the situation will be closely monitored to minimise disruption to the visitor experience during the peak August season.

Environmental Risks and Wider Context

Although no casualties have been reported, experts warn that the fire highlights Scotland's growing vulnerability to wildfires. A smaller blaze at Arthur's Seat in 2019 took approximately eight hours to extinguish, but this year's heat and low rainfall have made firefighting more complex.

Similar incidents have been reported across Europe this summer, including in Greece, Italy and France, with climate conditions contributing to longer and more severe wildfire seasons, AP News reported. Environmental groups have called for greater investment in prevention measures, including public awareness campaigns and improved land management.

Ongoing Response

SFRS crews remain on site and are expected to continue damping down hotspots throughout Monday. Officials said they will reassess access to Holyrood Park once the situation is under control, according to the BBC.

As Edinburgh navigates peak festival crowds, the rapid response to the Arthur's Seat fire will be watched closely by both residents and visitors. The incident serves as a reminder of the speed with which wildfires can develop and the importance of coordinated emergency action.