Fire crews battling massive wildfire days after risk upgraded

Emergency crews are continuing to battle a massive wildfire south of Inverness.

Six appliances and specialist resources are currently fighting the flames near the village of Daviot after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) received more than 40 calls of concern on Saturday afternoon.

Locals have been warned to keep their doors and windows closed amid fears over the risk of smoke inhalation.

It comes after the SFRS upgraded the wildfire risk to “very high” following “one of the biggest wildfires in UK history” in the Highlands.

Over 30 firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze in Cannich measuring approximately 8km by 8km.

An SFRS spokesperson said the fire was likely to continue burning for a “long period”.

“We were alerted at 2.45pm on Saturday, June 10 to reports of a fire in the open at Daviot, south of Inverness,” a statement said.

“Operations Control initially mobilised one fire appliance to the scene, increasing to six appliances and specialist resources.

“Crews remain on scene and local residents are asked to keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke inhalation.”

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