The gradual increase in size of fuel loads in many parts of Scotland is coinciding with the connectivity of fuel sources. Combined with the impacts of climate change,  means we are anticipating an increase in the size of fires as well as an increase in fire intensity: more severe fires with greater impacts. The risks of landscape-scale high intensity, high severity fires are growing year by year.

The purpose of the SWF is to create a focus for joint working between all interested stakeholders within Scotland to develop wildfire initiatives that will reduce:

• the risks to firefighters and members of the public

• the amount of damage to vegetation and biodiversity

• the negative impact on property, assets and ecosystem services