Dramatic aerial footage captured a fire engulfing Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh as onlookers hurriedly left the vicinity. The blaze, which ignited in the open at the renowned Holyrood Park landmark, prompted a swift response from fire crews. Thick smoke billowed into the sky, visible for miles, prompting multiple concerned citizens to alert the fire service.
Witnesses observed people evacuating the area as the fire rapidly spread across Holyrood Park on a Sunday afternoon, with police advising caution and urging the public to steer clear. Arthur’s Seat, a popular destination for tourists and locals near Edinburgh, was the center of attention. The incident occurred shortly after a disturbing event where a mother was shoved into a canal by a dog walker while commuting to work.
Drone footage above the city captured a plume of smoke rising in the distance, steadily streaming throughout the recording. Nick Brice, a resident from Brighton, expressed fear upon witnessing the fire advancing down the hillside, sharing his experience with BBC Scotland News. He described the escalating smoke and flames moving towards their location, necessitating a swift retreat to safety.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue reassured the public that they were aware of the situation and discouraged further reports, as they were inundated with calls regarding the incident. The fire was first noticed around 4 pm on Sunday, prompting a warning for individuals to avoid the affected area.
Despite the visible smoke across the city, no casualties were reported by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The timing of the incident coincided with one of the busiest weekends in Edinburgh due to ongoing festivals. Supporters of Hibernian and Kilmarnock were advised to avoid specific areas when leaving the Easter Road stadium on that Sunday.