Arthur’s Seat fire: Fire crews battle Holyrood Park blaze through night

Fire crews have worked overnight and are continuing to battle a fire that broke out on Salisbury Crags near Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh on Sunday evening.

The fire at Salisbury Crags burned through the night | Neil Pooran/PA Wire

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said six appliances are still at the scene as of 7.30am on Monday.

Police Scotland confirmed Queens Drive remains closed as firefighters work to put out the fire.

One resident captured the blaze from the rooftop of Summerhall | Keith Douglas

Officers said residents should avoid the area, and those living nearby should keep windows and doors closed.

Fire crews were first called to reports of the fire on Salisbury Crags at around 6.38pm on Sunday.

The blaze escalated overnight, spreading in both directions around the hill.

Dramatic pictures taken by residents show the night sky lit up by orange flames and plumes of smoke, which could be seen for miles across the city.

It is understood police evacuated the park area by St Leonards Bank at around 1am.

Smoke could be seen from miles around the city on Sunday night | Supplied

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 6.38pm on Sunday, 19 July to reports of a fire in the open at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.

“Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances and specialist resources to the scene where firefighters are working to extinguish a fire affecting an area of grass.

“There are no reported casualties and crews remain at the scene.”

The fire appeared to start at the base of Salisbury Crags | Submitted

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Queens Drive remains closed following a fire in the open at Arthur’s Seat, reported to us around 7pm on Sunday, 19 July.

“Emergency services remain in attendance, and the public should avoid the area.

“Residents in the local area should keep windows and doors closed.”