Arthur's Seat Fire Contained
Emergency services largely control major Arthur's Seat fire amidst Scotland's dry spell
Anonymous
Key Points
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The blaze on Arthur's Seat is located next to the Palace of Holyrood House, with a large plume of thick smoke visible from the Scottish Parliament.
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Park officials said the Arthur's Seat fire is now largely surrounded, with evacuated residents expected to return home later today.
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Emergency responders are deploying specialist resources at the scene, in addition to the four fire engines in attendance.
A large fire broke out on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh on Sunday evening, with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) receiving the first call at 6:38pm. Four fire engines were sent to the scene as a thick plume of smoke rose over the city, visible from the nearby Scottish Parliament. Three FM reported that the blaze tore through open heathland on the iconic volcanic hill, which sits next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Park officials have since said the fire is now largely surrounded. Evacuated residents are expected to return home later today. Specialist resources are also on the ground alongside the four fire appliances, as crews work to fully contain the blaze.
Smoke Blankets Edinburgh as Crews Battle the Blaze
The fire spread across open heathland on Arthur's Seat, a well-known landmark rising 251 metres above Edinburgh. A dense column of smoke was seen drifting across the city shortly after 6:38pm on Sunday. Black Country Radio noted the blaze was close enough to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to prompt an immediate response from multiple fire crews.
The SFRS sent four fire appliances to the scene. Teams also brought in specialist resources — equipment beyond standard fire engines — to help tackle the heathland blaze. Heathland fires are harder to fight than building fires because the terrain is rough and the dry vegetation burns fast.
Residents Evacuated as Fire Closes In on Nearby Homes
Some residents near Arthur's Seat were evacuated as a safety measure while firefighters worked to control the blaze. Officials confirmed the fire is now largely surrounded. Those who were asked to leave are expected to be allowed back home later on Sunday, according to Radio Royal.
No injuries have been reported at this stage. Authorities continued to provide live updates as the situation developed throughout the evening. The quick response from the SFRS helped prevent the fire from spreading further into surrounding areas.
Arthur's Seat Has Burned Before — and Scotland Is Tinder Dry
This is not the first fire on Arthur's Seat in 2025. The landmark has already seen at least one earlier blaze this year. The repeat incident points to a growing fire risk on the hill, especially during dry spells. Scotland has seen unusually dry conditions in recent weeks.
The Arthur's Seat fire is part of a wider pattern across Scotland. Significant wildfires have also broken out in the Cairngorms, one of Scotland's largest national parks. Dry weather and low rainfall have created tough conditions for fire crews across the country, stretching emergency services thin.
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