Firefighters extinguish half-kilometre-long wildfire as warning remains in place

Firefighters have extinguished a half-kilometre-long wildfire in the Stirling area as an “extreme” risk of wildfire warning remains in place.

Emergency services went to the scene at Gartur Moss, Port of Menteith, when the alarm was raised at 12.27pm on Wednesday.

Five fire engines were at the scene on Thursday morning, tackling the blaze, which the fire service described as half a kilometre long with flames two metres high.

There were no reported casualties and crews have now left the scene.

It comes after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued a “extreme risk” warning for wildfires across Scotland, which is in place between April 2 and April 7.

This is the third wildfire warning issued by the SFRS this year.

Together with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, SFRS is urging people to avoid lighting fires outdoors across all areas of Scotland during this time.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 12.27pm on Wednesday, April 2 to reports of grass on fire off the A81 at Aberfoyle and near to Port of Menteith, Stirling.

“Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances, and firefighters extinguished a fire affecting an area of grass measuring approximately one square mile.

“There were no reported casualties, and crews have now left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”

Group commander Garry Douglas, an SFRS tactical adviser, said: “During any period of heightened risk, fires can ignite easily, spread very quickly, and burn with high intensity.

“At this time of year in early spring, we typically have a large volume of dead, bone-dry vegetation across large areas of countryside. This essentially acts as a fuel for fire.

“There are currently vast areas that are tinder dry and vulnerable, which provides all the ingredients for fire to take hold and spread.

“Human behaviour is the cause of most wildfires in Scotland, so it is imperative we all act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors, especially over the coming days of predicted sunshine.

“By following some simple but key advice, we can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire occurring.”