Firefighters remained at a moor blaze in the Outer Hebrides overnight amid an “extreme” warning of wildfires.
One appliance from Benbecula was deployed to an area near Balivanich on Benbecula around 3.30pm on Wednesday.
A further two crews from Lochboisdale and Lochmaddy joined the efforts to douse the flames, with two firefighters keeping watch on the fire overnight.
A stop message was relayed back to control at 4.21am.
At the height of the blaze, the fire front spread to an area spanning 3,240ft.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
It is understood crews had to move sheep away from the site of the blaze as flames roared through the moorland.
A fire service spokeswoman said: “We received reports of a moor fire at around 3.30pm.
“One appliance was deployed with two additional units arriving shortly afterwards.
“We are still in attendance.
Wildfire warning for islands
On Wednesday, the fire service warned of an “extreme” risk of wildfires along the coastal and island areas of western Scotland.
Despite the freezing temperatures, chiefs say there are “vast” parts covered in dry vegetation – acting as “fuel” for any fires which may break out.
Area commander Bruce Farquharson, who is also chairman of the Scottish Wildlife Forum, said: “There may have been a lot of snow in the eastern and central areas of Scotland, but that is not the case in the western coastal areas and fuel conditions are very different.
“At this time of year, we typically have a large volume of dead, bone-dry vegetation left over – which essentially acts as a fuel for fire.
“As a result, there are currently vast areas of countryside all over the country that are tinder dry and vulnerable, this provides all of the ingredients for fire to take hold and spread.
“We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.”
A series of wildfires took hold in the area during February 2018, just days after the Beast From The East hit the country.
Mr Farquharson said: “This weather patterns is very similar to what we witnessed two years ago during the Beast from the East, which saw a number of challenging wildfire incidents on Barra and Skye.
“These incidents came just days after the snow storms, which left hundreds of motorists stranded overnight in freezing conditions on the M80.”
He added: “We would always stress the importance of being vigilant in areas of countryside, but right now we are in a unique and testing period for all emergency services.
“We will always do our utmost to protect our communities, and to save life and property from harm at all times – but we also need the public to help us.
“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments.”
