Firefighters dealt with 90 outdoor blazes over the weekend

Firefighters in Scotland responded to reports of around 90 outdoor blazes over the weekend, some of which burned for several days.

One fire appliance is still at Galloway Forest Park, near Glentrool in Dumfries and Galloway, where a fire had been burning since Thursday.

At its height, there were two appliances at the scene, assisted by two helicopters dousing the area with water.

In the north of Scotland, six appliances are currently dealing with grass on fire at Stac Pollaidh, Inverpolly Forest, north of Ullapool.

Due to heavy smoke in the area, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is asking members of the public to stay away for the area.

Deputy assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour said: “Wildfires have the potential to burn for days, as we’ve seen this week in Dumfries and Galloway, and they spread through vast areas of land in our countryside, which is devastating for those who live nearby.

“Our firefighters will continue to work with local landowners and other partners to bring these fires under control.

“As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire, and so we are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.

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