Largest Wildfires Burn 95,000 Acres Oregon, 11,800 Hectares Scotland

The Cram fire in central Oregon has become the largest wildfire in the United States, burning over 95,000 acres and destroying multiple residences, with hundreds of firefighters and aircraft engaged in containment efforts amid favorable weather conditions. In Scotland, the recent wildfires near Carrbridge and Dava represent the largest wildfire event in the country's history, scorching nearly 11,827 hectares of moorland. Reports highlight the critical role of rural businesses and land managers, who contributed extensive resources, specialized equipment, and invaluable local knowledge honed through generations of controlled burning practices known as muirburn, which help prevent wildfires by managing vegetation. However, new Scottish government restrictions on muirburn have raised concerns about reducing land managers' ability to effectively control future wildfires, potentially increasing the risk of more extensive damage. The Scottish Land & Estates report recommends enhanced wildfire response capabilities, including better training, equipment, and integrated fire management strategies, emphasizing that without the intervention of rural workers, the recent devastation would have been far worse. These developments underscore the growing challenges of wildfire management in both the United States and Scotland amid changing environmental conditions and policy debates.