Gorse fire on Arthur's Seat near Edinburgh

A large gorse fire on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh drives smoke over the city as witnesses report people running down the hill.

Gorse Fire at Arthur's Seat Prompts Rapid Evacuation

A major gorse fire has taken hold on Arthur's Seat, the prominent hill that overlooks Edinburgh. Flames and an orange glow were visible from parts of the capital as crews work to contain the blaze.

Video circulated on social media shows smoke rising from the slope and witnesses reporting people running down the hill to escape. Authorities closed nearby paths and urged residents to stay indoors as air quality may be affected. There is no confirmed cause yet and the incident is under investigation.

The incident shows how quickly vegetation fires can spill into urban spaces. Gorse is highly flammable, and shifting winds can push flames toward popular routes and crowds. This raises questions about land management and emergency planning around visible landmarks.

As climate patterns shift, fires may become more common in places not traditionally seen as high risk. The response will test coordination between fire services, park managers and city authorities, while public messaging must balance caution with access to a beloved city site.

Highlights

In the days ahead, officials will decide how Arthur's Seat is managed during fire season.