‘Extreme’ wildfire warning issued for parts of Scotland

Much of Scotland is at an “extreme” risk of wildfire in the coming days, fire chiefs have warned.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said there is a “very high” wildfire risk on Monday and Tuesday in north-east, central and southern Scotland.

This climbs to an “extreme” risk in the same areas between Wednesday and Saturday before returning to a “very high” risk on Sunday.

The SFRS and the Scottish Wildfire Forum are urging the public to avoid lighting fires outdoors during the warning period.

SFRS wildfire lead Michael Humphreys said: “We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid using anything involving a naked flame.

“At this time of year in early spring, we typically have a large volume of dead, bone-dry vegetation across large areas of countryside.

“This essentially acts as a fuel for fire.

“There are currently vast areas that are tinder dry and vulnerable, which provides all the ingredients for fire to take hold and spread.

“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.

“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is imperative we all act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors especially over the coming days of predicted sunshine.

“By following some simple but key advice, we can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire occurring.”

SFRS advises people to always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

The warnings follow large scale wildfires in Scotland during dry and sunny weather earlier this month.

A wildfire on Arran burned for five days and devastated part of Glen Rosa while elsewhere campers were rescued by helicopter from a blaze in Galloway Forest Park.