Kyle of Lochalsh wildfire extinguished after burning for two days

The National Trust for Scotland confirmed emergency services put out the blaze on Friday morning.

Kyle of Lochalsh wildfire that burned for two days extinguished, the National Trust of Scotland confirms The National Trust For Scotland

Fire crews have extinguished a wildfire that burned for two days on Kyle of Lochalsh in the west Highlands.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were called to the scene at around 10.20am on Wednesday after being alerted to a fire in a patch of heather.

A total of 11 fire appliances attended the blaze over the course of two days, while a water bombing helicopter also assisted.

At its peak, the wildfire was burning along a front of almost four miles (6km) in an area of grass, gorse, and woodland.

Fire services confirmed that the incident was over by 6:45am on Friday, and there were no casualties as a result.

A spokesman for the SFRS said: “There were no casualties, and firefighters are no longer at the scene.”

The National Trust for Scotland has paid tribute to the emergency services for tackling the blaze and has said the cause of the fire remains “uncertain”.

Iain Turnbull, the National Trust for Scotland’s property manager of the Balmacara Estate, said: “Scottish Fire & Rescue did an outstanding job of controlling and eventually extinguishing the blaze.

“I also want to pay tribute to Skyhook Helicopters for their role in fighting the blaze and also to the local volunteers and members of the community who looked after the fire-fighters throughout the incident, providing them with food and refreshments.

“While the cause of the wildfire is still uncertain, it is a salutary reminder that all of us must take the utmost care in the countryside during dry spells.  

“Our next step is to make a full assessment of the affected area and decide on what happens next to help recovery.”

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