Row over wild fire that posed a threat to estate

Residents blame blaze on weed killer but land bosses claim otherwise

A land management firm has refuted claims it caused a wild fire on the edge of a Perthshire housing estate.

Scone residents suggested that “indiscriminate” use of weed killer spray had caused a grass blaze to spread quickly out of control, forcing them to take action to protect their properties.

But Greenbelt, the firm which manages the site, said it was more likely the fire was caused by branches which were deliberately chopped down and left on the ground.

The company also said the area had a history of vandalism.

Villagers fought back flames with a garden hose when fire broke out on Tuesday. Firefighters were scrambled to the scene just after 5pm.

Andrew Forbes, chairman of the Balgarvie Owners Association, said the fire spread across a 100 yard embankment within minutes.

Residents raised the alarm when they noticed smoke and flames edging closer to their homes, he said.

“The fire was consuming the dry dead grass, the young saplings, their plastic holders and wooden supports,” he said.

“It is estimated that there is fatal damage to about 1,000 trees. The hawthorn hedge running behind David Douglas Avenue has been badly scorched, but looks like it may recover.”

Mr Forbes claimed “indiscriminate” spraying of weed killer by grounds workers may have “created the opportunity for rapid spread of fire”.

The Glasgow-based Greenbelt Group, which looks after the land on behalf of owners A&J Stephen, insisted it had no reports from residents about chemicals, or their adverse use, in the area.

Regional operations manager Donald Ferguson said: “We are aware of a small outbreak of fire in part of the woodland and we are investigating the cause.

“It seems some branches which were cut by someone unknown has provided the dry material for the outbreak, although what or who caused that is unknown at the moment.”

He said: “The area in question has in recent years been subject to a replanting project which was really beginning to take shape.”

Mr Ferguson said he had evidence of “vandalism” which was “caused by residents either cutting down trees themselves or kids on the development pulling saplings out and leaving piles of supports around the woodland”.

He said: “The contractor is constantly removing debris from young woodland areas because of this and it is something we address almost every visit.”

Land owners A&J Stephen has declined to comment.

Picture: Steven Brown. Scorched ground after the grass fire that forced residents to take action to protect their homes off David Douglas Avenue.