‘Luck’ halts spread of fire in woodland

Extinguished bonfire thought to have kept smouldering under soil on Perthshire riverbank

A warning has been issued to campers and picnickers not to light fires in woodland after it emerged that only sheer luckprevented a woodland fire spreading in tinderbox Highland Perthshire.

It was fortunate that a fierce fire in a woodland estate in Perthshire did not become a “huge wildfire”.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was called to Glen Tilt, near Blair Atholl Estates, to deal with the blaze. Local cyclists reported smoke from the woods to the fire service and the estate.

Staff found a huge fire next to the river. Two engines were sent out and extinguished it within two hours. It is believed wild campers started a breakfast bonfire on Friday morning.

Andrew Bruce Wooton, general manager at Blair Atholl Estates, said the fire’s location next to the river was fortunate.

He said: “Smoke was identified by cyclists riding nearby. They called the fire brigade and the estate.

“Two members of staff went out to find a large fire around 10 yards away from the river. The staff tried to control the edges to stop it from spreading.

“The only reason it was not bigger is because it was near the river and it was a really windy day. If it was left unattended for longer however, it could have continued, so we were lucky that it was not a huge wildfire.”

It is believed the fire was put out by campers but continued to smoulder under the soil.

Campers in the area have been warned about the risk of starting fires during the summer season.

With Perthshire experiencing its third driest summer for 40 years, camp fires have become extremely dangerous.

Last May a blaze in neighbouring Tay Forest Park was sparked by a small picnic fire, eventually engulfing 60 hectares of woodland.

Mr Bruce Wooton said more will be done to improve awareness.

He added: “We think the people that started it thought the fire was out when they left, but the dry weather means it can continue under ground.

“There are so many signs around about not starting fires so it does not reason that someone would start one.

“I don’t think people understand how dry the soil is at the moment. The fire can continue to smoulder for a long time so it’s never safe to light a fire and leave it. We have put signs out everywhere and we will continue to do that and post on social media to get the message out.”