Extreme wildfire warning across Scotland amid threat of 'devastation'

Firefighters have warned of the risk of extreme wildfires across Scotland bringing the threat of “devastation” to farmland, wildlife and woodland.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has urged people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution.

A very high danger assessment – released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) – comes in to force in all low-lying areas on Thursday and the central Highlands.

It follows an initial warning that covers central and south-west Scotland between Monday, March 17, and Wednesday, March 19.

An extreme wildfire warning will cover all low-lying areas in Scotland on Friday. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

On Friday, the extreme danger assessment covers all low-lying areas in Scotland.

Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife; and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.

Group Commander Murray Dalgleish is a Wildfire Tactical Advisor for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He said: “We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.

“Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.

“Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.

“These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”

Fire crews were called to a park on Monday night in Lower Methill after flames took hold of the land.

The blaze at Memorial Park was reported to emergency services at around 7.15pm.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dispatched one appliance to the scene, with the crew arriving at 7.20pm.

The flames were extinguished, and the area was safe by 8.04pm. No injuries were reported during the incident.