Wildfires seen from NASA space satellite amid 'extreme risk' alert across Scotland

NASA satellites caught images of plumes of smoke from wildfires raging across Scotland amid an “extreme risk” alert.

Firefighters have been battling blazes across the country over the last week, responding to reports of around 90 outdoor fires over the weekend.

A “very high risk” alert for wildfires from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remains in place for the whole of Scotland until Wednesday after a period of dry warm weather.

Galloway Forest Park: NASA satellite images show plumes of smoke as wildfires rage across Scotland NASA

The latest wildfire update also includes an “extreme risk” alert across the southwest, eastern, central, and north of Scotland for Thursday.

A fire broke out at Galloway Forest Park, near Glentrool in Dumfries and Galloway, last Thursday and burned for at least four days.

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 dealt with grass on fire at Stac Pollaidh, Inverpolly Forest, north of Ullapool.

Due to heavy smoke in the area, the SFRS asked members of the public to stay away for the area.

More warm weather is set to continue in the days ahead with SFRS urging the public to exercise caution when out in rural areas during the Easter holidays.

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.”