Highland residents are being warned of the increased risk of wildfires in the region.
The dry and windy weather has already resulted in several blazes at Lochinver in Sutherland and on the Ardnamurchan peninsula in Lochaber.
Crews were still tackling a wildfire at Moidart on the peninsula yesterday evening. An earlier blaze, which had burned near Acharacle since Wednesday afternoon has now been brought under control.
A fire service spokesman said: “We have three pumps at Moidart near Dorlinn Cliff and the wildfire is affecting between 20-25 acres of trees and woodland.
“Firefighters from Fort William and Kinlochleven with knapsacks and beaters are tackling the blaze.”
Wild and grass fires can start by the careless disposal of cigarettes and barbecues or if campfires left unattended.
And the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is reminding the public to be careful if out and about this weekend.
SFRS Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Andy Coueslant said: “Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant environmental and economic damage.
“Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.
“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting so it’s crucial people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and follow the countryside code.”
Grass and wildfires are a common risk at this time of year when warmer weather dries out vegetation – especially dead winter foliage – which offers an ample fuel source.
Michael Bruce, vice chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum, said: “We have a high pressure weather system developing across Scotland creating these conditions at the moment.
“At the start of spring there is often a lot of dead vegetation leftover from last year – this can dry out quickly with higher temperatures and lower humidity levels.”
