Huge fire breaks out at beloved UK landmark as tourists seen 'running for their lives'

A major wildfire ripped through Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, with flames and thick brown smoke seen for miles. Orange flames rose from the top of the iconic landmark in the capital, with one eyewitness reporting seeing people "running down the hill" as the blaze "spreads rapidly".

Video footage from miles away shows smoke billowing into the air shortly before 4pm. A witness 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."

The blaze is reportedly a gorse fire - a wildfire involving the plant of the same name, which is highly flammable, especially in dry conditions.

Flames appeared to be coming from the Crow Hill area of the park, and can be seen for miles.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed they responded to calls at 4.05pm. A spokesperson said: "We have three appliances and specialist services in attendance."

A striking video uploaded to social media showed huge grey clouds of smoke rising in the distance behind a local football match. 

Other images appeared to show people parking their cars in the road to stop and take pictures. 

The cause of the blaze remains unknown at this time, but firefighters are on scene to tackle it.

A statement issued this morning added: "Operations Control mobilised four fire appliances and specialist resources to a fire affecting a large area of gorse.

“Two fire appliances currently remain at the scene where crews are continuing to dampen down hotspots.

"There are no reported casualties at this time.

“Members of the public are advised to stay away from the area.”