Scotland’s national fire and rescue service since 2013
A large fire at a Bermondsey recycling centre has drawn around 100 firefighters and more than 15 engines. Local residents are advised to keep doors and windows shut as smoke blankets parts of south London. Rail services are disrupted and authorities say the fire is under investigation.
Edinburgh Airport has reopened after parts of the terminal were evacuated on Friday evening due to a security alert. An explosive ordnance disposal team investigated a possibly suspicious package around 6.50pm. Police Scotland says items were made safe and the incident is no longer treated as suspicious. Passengers face ongoing disruption as services return to normal.
More than 80 firefighters and about 30 trucks have contained a fire at a single building on Victoria Street, Richmond. The blaze affected adjacent shopfronts; the premises was unoccupied. Victoria Police are investigating a ram raid and arson. Thick smoke has prompted VicEmergency alerts and road closures.
A large railway embankment fire in Walthamstow has drawn more than 100 firefighters, prompting road closures, rail disruption, and evacuation of nearby residents. Authorities advise keeping windows and doors shut and avoid the area as the blaze continues to burn and investigators assess the cause.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners have extended a very high wildfire risk warning in central Highlands, southern, and eastern Scotland. Fire crews remain at multiple sites, including the Cairngorms and Arthur’s Seat, as temperatures stay hot and dry. The alert is in effect into the week, with officials urging the public to avoid outdoor fires and to stay vigilant.
Grass fire on Salisbury Crags near Arthur’s Seat is being tackled by firefighters. Six appliances are on site; residents are advised to avoid the area as hot, dry conditions persist. A separate Cairngorms wildfire is largely surrounded but remains active.
A wildfire in the Glenmore area near the Cairngorms has forced Nethy Bridge residents to evacuate and seek refuge at the Macdonald Aviemore Hotel. Firefighting teams, supported by police and multi‑agency resources, are contending with changing weather and winds that have driven flare‑ups and smoke drifting toward Aberdeen.
Emergency services attended Loch Fyne after concerns for two female divers. A 26-year-old woman died at the scene and a 24-year-old woman was later recovered. Police describe the deaths as unexplained and a post-mortem will be held. Coastguard and lifeboat crews were involved; other incidents at beaches also affected by strong currents and heat.
Wildfires in France, Spain, and the UK have intensified amid an approaching heatwave. Authorities warn the crisis could last weeks, with hundreds of thousands evacuated and temperatures set to rise to 40C in parts of Europe. The Prince of Wales has expressed support for affected communities and emergency responders.
Firefighters are containing a large wind-driven wildfire at Dunwich Heath, Suffolk. The fire has led to evacuations and a major incident status. Crews are monitoring hotspots, using helicopters and drones, with authorities warning of rekindles as weather conditions shift.
A wildfire in Cairngorms National Park near Aviemore has burned thousands of acres of moor and woodland since July 15. More than 500 firefighters have tackled the blaze. A £3 million fund administered by Highland Council is established to support businesses hit by disruption, with ongoing cordons and reopening plans.
Four articles from BBC Business and AP News report ongoing disruptions at Knoll Hospital in Duns due to RAAC-related issues and a separate trend of maternity care shortages in Wyoming. The Knoll incident saw a temporary disruption to outpatient services after a fire risk assessment; hospital operations are resuming, with safety remains a priority. Wyoming highlights persistent maternity care gaps as rural hospitals close units and doctors are stretched thin.
An 11-year-old girl has been found dead in Gore Glen Woodland Park in Gorebridge. Police are treating the death as unexplained and are continuing inquiries. A post-mortem is expected next week. Tributes have been left at the beauty spot as emergency services supported the search on Thursday afternoon.