More than 50 firefighters remain at the scene of a large wildfire at Ben Bhraggie for a second day as residents are advised to keep windows and doors shut.
Six fire engines and specialist resources are in attendance near Golspie as they work to extinguish the flames.
Three sectors of fire being treated by fire units using hose reel jets, beaters and knapsack sprayers.
A helicopter from Inverness has been dispatched to water bomb the woodland.
Reassurance visits have also been carried out to nearby homes, and firefighters are working to protect the community and property from harm.
Crew paged at 14:03 to return to the large wildfire at Golspie. The station has been actively involved at this wildfire for 18 out of the last 24 hours. Great commitment from those involved today with fresh crew ready to respond to further calls #totalcommitment pic.twitter.com/D7ijtoLPVB
— Balintore Fire Station (@Balintore_Fire) July 7, 2018
The alarm was first raised at 12.04am on yesterday morning.
Group Manager Billy McLintock, who was in charge of the incident overnight, said: “This remains a complex and challenging incident for crews on the ground and it is likely that we will remain on the scene for some time.
“Crews and partners worked throughout the night on Ben Bhraggie, and during this time our crews and Operations Control have been in regular contact with nearby residents.”
He added: “We would advise nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke, and contact us should they have any concerns.
“I would once again like to thank the wider community for their ongoing support, the hard work of our partners, and the crews on the ground for their tireless efforts.”
Elisabeth Smart, a Consultant in Public Health for NHS Highland, gave advice to those living nearby: “People should keep their windows and doors closed and if there is visible smoke they should remain indoors except for essential travel.
A couple of other photos if last nights wildfire shout. Incident still ongoing. Please take care when out enjoying the good weather and our beautiful scenery #notowildfires #wearesfrs pic.twitter.com/MAOhNDzZPh
— Balintore Fire Station (@Balintore_Fire) July 7, 2018
“Anyone exposed to the smoke who develops irritation to the air passages, skin, eyes or respiratory symptoms including coughing, wheezing and breathlessness or any other unusual symptoms should contact NHS 24 by calling on 111 in the first instance.
“Individuals with heart or lung diseases such as asthma should ensure they have access to their medication especially inhalers and seek medical advice if their symptoms worsen.”
