Eire warnings as weather warms up

The fire service has warned of the risk of wild fires over the weekend following the massive Highland Perthshire fire.

While the cause has not yet been revealed, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has said dry and windy weather has already resulted in several incidents, including Lochinver in Sutherland and the Ochil Hills near Stirling.

Last night crews were still on the scene of the Perthshire blaze, as well as tackling new ones in Scalpay, in the Outer Hebrides and Arisaig, near Inverness.

They warned the high temperatures expected over the weekend could exacerbate any further wild fires.

They can start by the careless disposal of cigarettes and barbecues or camp fires left unattended. They then have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, and threaten communities.

SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Andy Coueslant said: “Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant environmental and economic damage.

“Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.

“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting so it’s crucial people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and follow the countryside code.”

The incidents are a common risk at this time of year when warmer weather dries out vegetation – especially dead winter foliage – which offers an ample fuel source.

Michael Bruce, vice-chairman of the Scottish Wildfire Forum, monitors the European Commission’s European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) — which assesses the risk of wildfire.

He said: “We have a high pressure weather system developing across Scotland, creating these conditions at the moment.

“At the start of spring there is often a lot of dead vegetation left over from last year. This fuel can dry out quickly with higher temperatures and lower humidity levels.”

Perth and Kinross Council has also issued a warning.

A spokeswoman said: “With the glorious weather we have been experiencing over the past few weeks, the risk of wild fire is becoming increasingly likely.

“Please take care when using camping stoves and remember that a ring of stones will not be enough to stop an open fire smouldering underneath them.”

Human behaviour can lower the chance of a wildfire starting