Edinburgh, Scotland—Firefighters extinguished a massive grass fire that tore through Holyrood Park near Arthur's Seat on Monday evening. The blaze, which broke out near the historic ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel, sent thick plumes of smoke drifting across the capital as temperatures remained unseasonably high. Emergency dispatchers received the first calls shortly before 7:00 PM.

Three fire appliances were deployed to the rugged terrain to contain the spread. Crews spent several hours navigating the steep slopes to reach the heart of the fire. The dry, parched vegetation fueled the flames, forcing teams to work through the night to dampen down potential hotspots.

Police cordoned off the High Road within the park to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles. Residents in surrounding neighborhoods were advised to keep their windows closed as a precaution against the shifting smoke. The scale of the fire was visible from various vantage points across the city skyline.

Local commanders have praised the swift response, noting that the outcome could have been significantly worse given the dry conditions. The heatwave had turned the park’s grass into tinder. One stray spark is believed to be the catalyst for the rapid ignition.

No injuries occurred during the incident. Authorities are now conducting an investigation into exactly how the fire started. Police Scotland has appealed for anyone with information or footage of the area leading up to the blaze to contact their local precinct.

The park remains a popular destination, and the incident occurred at a time when the area was crowded with tourists and residents enjoying the warm weather. Park rangers have since reinforced warnings regarding the use of naked flames and the proper disposal of flammable waste.

Fire crews remained on site through Tuesday morning to monitor for any flare-ups. The scorched earth remains visible near the iconic chapel ruins, serving as a stark reminder of the current fire risk. Access to the most affected sections of the trail is currently restricted.

The city continues to experience record heat, and emergency services remain on high alert for further vegetation fires. Officials are pleading with the public to use common sense as the dry spell persists. The park will remain under constant surveillance for the coming days.