Experts have issued a warning after a wildfire was sparked in the Cairngorms by the remains of a campfire.
Fire crews raced to tackle a wildfire earlier this week, as a disused camp fire caused an area spanning 550 yards by 220 yards to go ablaze.
Appliances from Aviemore, Newtonmore and Kingussie rushed to the scene between Loch Morlich and Rothiemurchus, aided by the Forestry Commission’s forestry unit, who assisted by transporting resources to the remote location.
Three forestry workers also tackled the fire, using beaters to smother the fire spread.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 2.23pm on Monday, July 23, to reports of a fire in the open near Aviemore.
“Operations Control mobilised three fire engines to woodland at Upper Rothiemurchus, where firefighters extinguished a fire which had taken hold of a section of heather.
“There were no casualties.
“Crews left the scene after ensuring the area had been made safe.”
Fire crews spent over four hours on site, before a stop message was received at 7.09pm.
Bruce Farquharson, chairman of the Scottish Wildfire Forum, said: “As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire.
“We have seen in recent weeks just how large these fires can become – many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by these incidents, 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.
“We are appealing to people to take great care – it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and follow the countryside code.
“Just one heat source like a campfire ember can cause it to ignite and if the wind changes direction even the smallest fire can spread uncontrollably and devastate entire hillsides.”
The wildfire at Upper Rothiemurchus is the latest in a spate across the region, with 450 firefighters attending a wildfire in Golspie earlier this month.
In total 25 crews from stations across the Highlands were mobilised to the location at Ben Bhraggie over the course of the fires seven day and 18 hour lifespan.
