One of Scotland’s most senior firefighters is urging the public to take care not to start wildfires after a huge blaze in the Highlands this week.
Recent hot, dry weather has left vegetation on the hills and moors tinder-dry, dramatically increasing the risk of wildfires.
Much of the region has been basking in temperatures in the mid to high 20s this week and the Met Office is forecasting the weather will remain “relatively dry” over the weekend.
The warning has been issued by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Andy Coueslant (COR), who is the chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum.
He said: “It’s vital that people are aware of the danger of wildfires during periods of warmer weather, when the risk is at its highest.
“The wildfire that started in Sutherland on Tuesday night – which covered an area of seven square kilometres (2.7 square miles) at its peak – showed how quickly these fires can spread.
“It was testament to the fantastic work of our fire crews in the local area that we were able to avert any risk to property or power lines.
“These fires have the potential to change markedly from day-to-day and its all-the-more important people are vigilant and act responsibly while this period of high pressure affects the country.”
He added that many rural and remote communities had been hugely impacted by wildfires, which could cause significant environmental and economic damage.
Mr Coueslant said: “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.”
He said the public could help prevent wildfires by making sure they disposed of litter and smoking materials carefully while in rural areas and ensuring barbecues were properly extinguished.
Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey (COR) said temperatures in the Highlands and islands would dip a bit on the highs of the past few days and it would become more cloudy.
However, she said the weather was expected to remain relatively dry over the next couple of days and into the weekend.
Anyone who sees what they believe to be a wildfire with no obvious signs of people managing it is urged to call 999 immediately.
