Public warned to 'avoid the area' as fire crews tackle forest blaze

Members of the public have been warned to “avoid the area” after a forest fire broke out in the Highlands.

Police confirmed on Tuesday evening that a fire is ongoing surrounding Culbin Forest to the east of Nairn, which started after 2pm.

Five appliances were detached to the gorse fire.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remained on the scene on Wednesday morning to dampen down remaining fire hot spots.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 2.04pm on Tuesday, July 30 to reports of a gorse fire in Culbin Forest, near Forres.

“Operations Control mobilised five fire appliances to the scene.

“There are no casualties, and one fire appliance remains in attendance to dampen down remaining hot spots.”

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