Firefighters tackle wildfires amid ‘extreme risk’ alert across Scotland

Firefighters are continuing to tackle a wildfire on hills near Glasgow amid an “extreme” risk of wildfire warning from the fire service.

Emergency services were called to the scene in the Kilpatrick Hills near Milngavie at around 5.30pm on Tuesday.

Two Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dispatched appliances remained at the scene in Dunbartonshire on Wednesday morning.

It comes after SFRS issued a “extreme risk” warning for wildfires across Scotland, which is in place between April 2 and April 7.

This is the third wildfire warning issued by the SFRS this year.

Together with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, SFRS is urging people to avoid lighting fires outdoors across all areas of Scotland during this time.

Group commander Garry Douglas, an SFRS tactical adviser, said: “During any period of heightened risk, fires can ignite easily, spread very quickly, and burn with high intensity.

“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.

“Human behaviour is the cause of most wildfires in Scotland, 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.”