Fires rage on moors – as region freezes

A SERIES of wildfires started within minutes of each other yesterday as dry weather created tinder-box conditions in parts of the Highlands and islands.

But as grassland in Skye, Shetland, Sutherland, Oban and the Western Isles burned, much of the rest of the region was blanketed with snow and ice. Acres of heath, fencing and an electricity pole were damaged as firefighters battled to douse the flames.

They were due to return to the scene of one incident in Argyll at first light today after being forced to stand down their operation as darkness fell last night.

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