Firefighters put out Aberdeenshire wildfire as extreme warning in place for Scotland

Firefighters have put out a wildfire in Aberdeenshire as an extreme warning comes into place across Scotland.

It comes after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to a fire in the open near homes on Cairnhill Road in Fraserburgh on Wednesday evening.

Four engines were sent to the scene, working to extinguish the gorse blaze.

Those living nearby were told to keep their windows and doors closed due to the smoke, and members of the public were asked to avoid the area.

North East & Tayside

Wildfire takes hold near town as residents urged to close windows and doors

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to a fire in the open near homes on Cairnhill Road in Fraserburgh.

Videos from social media showed the flames tearing through the gorse, with smoke billowing over the nearby homes.

Crews confirmed they left the scene around 8.20pm on Wednesday evening.

Police confirmed on Thursday morning that North Street and the B9031 at Rosehearty reopened following the fire.

Fire chiefs, along with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF), say Scotland faces an extreme risk of wildfires amid sunny weather and temperatures expected to exceed 21C from Thursday.

The warning remains in place until Friday.

Those in south-west Scotland had also been warned of a “very high risk” of wildfire on Wednesday.

And people in southern Scotland and the central Highlands have been warned of the “very high risk” of wildfire in the region on Saturday.

Kenny Barbour, head of prevention at the SFRS and chair of the SWF, urged Scots to be responsible during hot and sunny days.

The deputy assistant chief officer said: “Going into the May bank holiday weekend, we will be seeing an extreme risk of wildfire across the whole of Scotland.

“We know people will be wanting to enjoy the good weather, but we ask that they do so responsibly.

“People should avoid lighting outdoor fires and be mindful that one spark can spread, causing a large amount of damage. Remember, there’s no such thing as a harmless fire.”

Mr Barbour added: “Wildfires have the potential to destroy property, landscapes and wildlife, which is why it is so important that members of the public use extreme caution under these conditions.”

He urged people to share the wildfire warnings with their family and friends.

He said those who spot outdoor fires should report them immediately by calling 999, providing their location, and any other relevant information to allow emergency services to respond quickly.

With the extension to the Muirburn season also drawing to a close on Thursday, the SFRS is also advising landowners to “exercise caution” in line with the Muirburn Code.