Stay local and safe message after spate of wildfires
Members of the public are being urged to comply with wildfire prevention guidance to avoid putting the emergency services under unnecessary pressure.
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) are calling for stricter adherence to the guidance after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has had to tackle a spate of wildfires – including ten over the last two weeks on land managed by FLS.
A number of fires have been extinguished in Cambusbarron over that period. Another was also reported in Menstrie Glen, near Alva, last week.
Simon Hodgson, chief executive of Forestry and Land Scotland, said:“These avoidable incidents, which are often the result of irresponsible, thoughtless behaviour, are everyone to follow current government and NHS advice, stay local and only visit a forest that they can get to on foot, by cycling or by wheelchair.
“And when you arrive please be extra vigilant and do not carry out any activity that might risk starting a wildfire. Helping to prevent wildfires also prevents undue demands being made on our blue light services – and could also save lives.”
Bruce Farquharson, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service area commander and chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum, said: “Wildfires can draw huge resources, and while we continue to maintain a high resilience across Scotland, we would seek to avoid any unnecessary demand on our service.
“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of grass and woodland fires starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments, and always follow the countryside code.”