Scottish fire service warns of ‘very high’ risk of wildfire this weekend

Firefighters have warned there is a very high risk of wildfires in many parts of the country over the bank holiday weekend.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said that at this time of year there is still a build-up of dead grass and heather left over from last year which can dry very quickly as temperatures increase and pose a heightened risk of fire.

The “very high” warning – released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum – covers east, central and southern Scotland and is in place until Monday.

People in rural areas are being urged to act responsibly and exercise caution over the next few days.

It comes as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) warns of water scarcity in some areas amid dry conditions.

SFRS group commander Niall MacLennan said: “Numerous wildfires across Scotland this spring – including a wildfire at Kinlochmoidart which spanned three days – have shown how real the danger of fire is in the countryside and how damaging it can be to the environment, wildlife and nearby communities.

“With rising temperatures this weekend and further dry conditions into next week, wildfires could burn and spread with very high intensity in high-risk areas.

“Therefore, it is crucial that people act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors and please think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.”

Meanwhile, Sepa said that alert level has been reached for the first time this year in its latest water scarcity report.

The area around Loch Maree in the Highlands has recorded very low river flows and dry ground conditions, meaning businesses abstracting water from the environment need to start thinking now about the volume they take and when they take it, or consider an alternative source, Sepa said.

The risk of water scarcity is categorised in four levels – early warning, alert, moderate scarcity and significant scarcity. Areas in southern and central Scotland, and the majority of the north, are now in early warning.

Wildfires could easily spread, with temperatures rising of late