Campfires and barbecues

The Cairngorms National Park is famous for our forests, but in a changing climate the risk of wildfires is increasing. Even in cold weather there is a risk of wildfires that have the power to burn through woodlands, vegetation and peatlands, damaging internationally important habitats, killing wildlife and impacting people’s property and livelihoods.

One spark could cause devastation, so to prevent wildfires we ask that you:

• Do not light a campfire (even in a fire pit, fire bowl) in the National Park, use a stove for cooking as these are a much safer alternative.
• Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which says you should not light a campfire in woodland or forest, on peaty ground, farmland or cultural heritage sites or near buildings. This means there is almost no-where in the National Park to light a campfire responsibly.
• Do not cut down or remove wood for fires. Dead wood is an important part of a healthy ecosystem – it provides a habitat, food and shelter for wildlife and as it rots releases nutrients back into the soil.
• Only use barbeques at official barbeque sites, and be aware that charcoal and wood barbeques can pose a fire risk due to open flames and discarded ash.
• Always follow advice from rangers, site staff and local signage.
• Pay attention to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service fire alerts and during high fire risk take extra care with stoves.