A seasonal fire ban will come into force across the Cairngorms National Park from April 1, with campfires and barbecues prohibited until September 30 each year.
The byelaw, approved by Scottish Government ministers in 2025, is aimed at cutting the risk of wildfires during the drier spring and summer months. From April 2026, rangers will be able to enforce the ban through the Procurator Fiscal, with fines of up to £500 for those who fail to comply.
It follows a rise in wildfire incidents in recent years. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended more than 200 wildfires across the country last year, including significant outbreaks at Dava Moor and Carrbridge.
Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Sandy Bremner, said the measures were about reducing avoidable risk.
“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,” he said.
Wildfires can have serious consequences for rural communities, affecting farmland, estates and wildlife, particularly in more remote areas where crews can take longer to reach incidents.
Area commander Robert Lennox of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the byelaw would support efforts to limit pressure on resources.
“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,” he said.
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A public awareness campaign will run alongside the new rules, with signage, social media and local businesses helping to spread the message to visitors.
More than 100 rangers, including seasonal and volunteer staff, will be on patrol across the park this summer, with additional joint patrols alongside Police Scotland in known hotspot areas.
Chief executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Grant Moir said the byelaw formed part of wider work to address wildfire risk.
“The byelaw is just one of a range of measures helping us tackle the threat of wildfires in the National Park,” he said.
Members of the public are being urged to follow local advice and report any fires immediately by calling 999.
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