A large fire has broken out on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, spreading rapidly through gorse and prompting road closures as the UK battles what experts have termed a 'firewave'. The blaze erupted just below Salisbury Crags, near the Palace of Holyroodhouse, at around 6:40pm on July 19, 2026.
Witnesses describe fast-moving flames
Multiple patches of the iconic beauty spot appear to be alight, according to photographs and video from the scene. Plumes of smoke rising from the hillside towered over the city this evening, one witness told Metro, visible as far away as Fife and Meggetland. Tasha, who filmed a video of the fire and shared it on X, said: 'We were actually finishing up our dinner and leaving the city when we saw the smoke. I hope it's under control now, as it seemed to be spreading so fast when we were there.'
Authorities respond, cause unknown
Officials did not specify the cause of the fire, but the Edinburgh Evening News said it was tearing through gorse, a yellow flowering shrub that covers the hillside. The fire brigade said there are no reported casualties and urged locals not to call Operations Control about the fire. The police said: 'We are on scene supporting Scottish Fire and Rescue Service with a fire in the open at Arthur's Seat. Queens Drive at the roundabout near Pollock Halls and down to Dynamic Earth is currently closed. Please use alternative routes if driving in the area.'
UK battles 'firewave' amid dry weather
The fire on Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano with views over Edinburgh's Old Town, broke out in the throes of days of hot, dry weather. The UK is battling what experts told Metro is a 'firewave', when a raft of wildfires break out near towns and cities. Wildfires happen when vegetation, like scrubland or the leaves that cover forest floors, is dried out, becoming tinder for fast-paced fires. Despite the name, the majority of wildfires are ignited because of human activity, like a flicked cigarette butt or arson.
Series of wildfires in Highlands
There has been a series of wildfires in the Highlands this week, including a blaze in Cairngorms National Park which has burned for five days. Six square kilometres of land have been scorched so far, with campsites and a ski resort in the Glenmore Forest Park area being evacuated.
