Firefighters across the Highlands are still working tirelessly to tackle a significant wildfire in the Torridon area, which has been ongoing since Sunday morning.
Crews remain in attendance today where the large wildfire first took hold at 10.30am on Sunday. Firefighters continue to work with water and beaters to contain and tackle the flames.
This follows a further two challenging wildfires across the Highlands and Islands area, both of which also took hold on the morning of Sunday, May 27.The wildfires at Strathcarron and on the Isle of Skye have now been extinguished.
Area Manager Bruce Farquharson is Chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum. He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to praise the outstanding efforts of our firefighters across the Highlands and Islands over the last few days.
“Their swift and professional response – working quickly and effectively in difficult conditions – has led to two large and challenging wildfires being extinguished, and we are now making good progress in Torridon.”
Police Scotland also praised the efforts of firefighters across the Highlands and Islands.
Inspector Lynda Allan said: “It is thanks to the tireless work of retained and full-time firefighters that these fires have been brought under control with no injuries or significant damage to property.”
It’s not only rural areas that are affected by wildfires; earlier this month Arthur’s Seat was set ablaze (above). A warning for an increased risk of wildfires is in place across Scotland until Thursday (31 May) and members of the public are being urged to play their part in preventing further potentially devastating fires.
AM Farquharson added: “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.
“A great many people will be enjoying the outdoors in the good weather this weekend, we urge everyone to make sure that they don’t increase the chance of wildfire – be aware of the risks and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
“Wild and grass fires can start by the careless disposal of cigarettes and barbecues or campfires left unattended.
“They then have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land, wildlife and threaten the welfare of nearby 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.”
The SFRS works closely with land managers, communities and other safety partners to prevent these incidents ever occurring.
AM Farquharson continued: “Right now, many firefighters across Scotland are actively tackling wildfires, working to protect our communities and their efforts have to be commended. “However, many of these fires are preventable, and we again urge people to read our safety advice, and enjoy the weather responsibly.”
Please call 101 with any information relating to wild fires. In an emergency always call 999.
For further advice and information about wildfires and how to prevent them visit: /your-safety/wildfires.aspx or www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/
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