iStockA wildfire warning covering most of Scotland has been issued for the 11th time this year.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said naked flames should not be used outdoors during a period of “very high” risk of wildfire which comes into force for four days on Friday.
It is further in place for central and eastern parts until Tuesday.
Low lying areas with green grass are at low-risk, but the fire service said the public should remain vigilant nonetheless.
Wildfires can burn for several days at a time, and a recent blaze at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh took more than a week to fully extinguish.
SFRS Group Commander Mark Landels said: “This summer has been especially dry, and we are urging people to avoid using anything involving a naked flame outdoors.
“In dry conditions, even a small fire from a discarded cigarette or an unattended campfire has the potential to quickly grow out of control.
“The vast majority of wildfires are started by human behaviour, so acting responsibly can lower the chance of a fire starting in the first place.”
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