Fire chiefs have urged the public to be aware of wildfire risks as more than fifty firefighters battled to extinguish a West Lothian wildfire yesterday.
Six fire engines were mobilised to Falla Hill Place in Fauldhouse when the alarm was first raised at 5.08pm on Wednesday. Those crews worked through the night to tackle the flames which had taken hold of a 200 metre-wide area of woodland. Three more appliances attended the scene yesterday.
There are no casualties.
A wildfire warning remains in place until Monday, July 2.
During last month’s warning, firefighters worked to extinguish a series of wildfires that swept across the Highlands and Islands as well as Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
Group Manager Mark Bryce is the officer in charge of the Bathgate incident. He said: “The fire has not spread any further but it has taken hold within trees and heavy vegetation and the terrain out here is proving difficult and challenging.
“We are using aggressive firefighting tactics to extinguish it as soon as possible.
“It is very hot out here but our crews are working very effectively and I thoroughly commend them for that effort.
“I would like to say thank you to not only our partners but to the wider local community for their truly outstanding support.”
The wider wildfire warning currently in place across Scotland was flagged on Wednesday, June 27.
SFRS Area Manager Bruce Farquharson is the chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum. He said: “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.
“Just one heat source can cause it to ignite and if the wind changes direction even the smallest fire can spread uncontrollably and devastate entire hillsides.”
He added: “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.”
For further advice and information about wildfires and how to prevent them visit: www.firescotland.gov.uk or www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/
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