Torlundy fire rumbles on to fifth day as helicopter remains on scene

Fire crews have been stood down from a wildfire near Torlundy as a helicopter continues to water bomb the area.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was first notified about a fire in Camisky Woods, north of Torlundy, near Fort William, at 6pm on Monday.

Plumes of smoke were seen coming from the area, sparking fears of another wildfire.

Fire crews from Fort William made their way to the scene to battle the flames.

A helicopter was also drafted in to water bomb an area of approximately 15,000 square feet.

On Thursday, a drone was launched to take aerial photos of the area which revealed two areas were still burning.

Fire crews on the ground were unable to reach the blaze and are monitoring the fire from a safe distance.

However, all appliances left the scene on Thursday night, but the control room said it may send out an appliance during the day on Friday.

As of Friday morning, only a helicopter remains on the scene to water bomb the area.

‘Extreme’ wildfire warning issued

It comes as SFRS issued a wildfire warning until Saturday, with north-west Highland considered at “very high risk” and much of Aberdeenshire and Moray considered at “extreme risk”.

⚠️ There is a Wildfire Warning in place from today until Saturday 17 June.

𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 – North West Highland
𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘 – across Scotland

Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and help our fire service by avoiding lighting fires in the countryside. 🏞️

— Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (@fire_scot) June 15, 2023

Crews from Fort William had to navigate through reduced visibility to extinguish the flames as a helicopter water bombed the area from above.

Large volumes of smoke had reduced visibility in the area, with officials warning the public to take care.

Local residents and motorists were urged to keep their doors and windows closed to prevent smoke inhalation.

Crews are in attendance again today so please be mindful of the message below 💨 https://t.co/NXuiminWQJ

— Fort William Fire Station (@FortStation) June 15, 2023

Fire crews battling several Highland wildfires

The wildfire is the third of its kind in the Highlands over the last two weeks.

For more than 14 days, Highland firefighters battled a wildfire at Cannich.

The blaze was seen from space and has destroyed land stretching to six square miles.

In Daviot, fire crews are continuing to dampen down hot spots following an extensive blaze in the area.

Homeowners were evacuated after losing power as a result of the wildfire, which broke out near Auchnahillin Holiday Park, south of Inverness on Saturday.

The flames could be seen by motorists travelling on the A9 Inverness to Perth road, as the fire swept across heathland.

One crew remains in attendance which has been carrying out a watch overnight.

More as we get it.