Firefighters continue to battle wildfire on Isle of Arran as public urged to avoid area

The public has been urged to avoid several popular walking routes on the Isle of Arran as firefighters continue to battle a wildfire.

Emergency services were called to reports of a grass fire near Glen Rosa at around 12.42pm on Thursday.

Three fire engines were sent to the scene of the blaze which was affecting an area of grass measuring approximately 600m x 600m.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed one appliance remains on the scene on Friday morning north-west of Brodick.

Members of the public are being advised to avoid the area and stay away from the footpaths into Glen Rose, Goatfell and Glen Sannox.

There are no reported casualties.

It comes after SFRS issued an “extreme risk” alert across the whole of Scotland from Friday, April 11, until Saturday, April 12.

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

Emergency services were called to reports of a grass fire near Glen Rosa on Thursday. What’s Happening On Arran

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 1pm on Thursday, April 10, we were made aware of a wildfire on the Isle of Arran, north-west of Brodick.

“The incident is ongoing, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remains in attendance.

“Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and stay away from the footpaths into Glen Rosa, Goatfell and Glen Sannox.”

Deputy Assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour, head of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness at SFRS, 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.”