Edinburgh fire: Huge fire breaks out at popular UK tourist hotspot as thick black smoke seen for miles

Published: 10/08/2025

- 17:59

Updated: 10/08/2025

- 18:46

A fire has broken out at Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh with smoke pouring into the sky.

Orange flames could be seen from the landmark above the Scottish capital, with one eyewitness reporting seeing people "running down the hill".

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed they responded to calls at 4.05pm

$\u200bFire broke out$

Fire broke out at the Edinburgh capital

$\u200bMembers of the public watch the large clouds of smoke from the fire on Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park$

Members of the public watch the large clouds of smoke from the fire on Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park

A spokesman said: "We have three appliances and specialist services in attendance."

An eyewitness told Edinburgh Live: "There is a major wildfire on Arthur's Seat which spreading rapidly.

"People are running down the face of the hill to get away from it and smoke is spreading really fast."

Police Scotland has advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area. The cause of the blaze is currently unknown.

$\u200b Smoke rises from a wildfire on Arthur's Seat$

Smoke rises from a wildfire on Arthur's Seat

GETTY

A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said the ongoing blaze is not impacting flights taking off or landing in the capital.

Nearby resident Leah Mcintyre Murray told the Daily Record: "I am sitting at my window and there are still loads of people up there."

Huge fire breaks out at Arthur's Seat as thick black smoke seen for miles