TEN YEARS AGO Thursday April 4, 2013

Lochaber residents have spoken of their terror after a ferocious wildfire came within yards of their properties this week.

Fifty firefighters, as well as forestry workers and volunteers, worked through the night to tackle the massive hill blaze which at its height stretched for a distance of three miles above Banavie, Badabrie and Corpach, covering an area of 650 ha.

Thick plumes of smoke billowed across Loch Linnhe as the fire raged through trees, grass and shrub land on Meall Bhanabhrie and Corpach Hill and threatened commercial woodland.

A helicopter from Inverness was also brought into water bomb the fire which is understood to have broken out around 4pm on Monday.

The cause of the outbreak, classed as a major incident by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, remains unknown but occurred at the height of the traditional muirburn season.

Firefighters have tackled scores of wildfires up and down the tinderbox-dry West Highlands and islands in recent days including at Strontian, Acharacle, Glenfinnan, Arisaig and Morar.

There were no official reports of residents being evacuated from properties during Monday and Tuesday’s drama.

However, some residents in Corpach’s Pod Drive opted to leave their homes as the fire drew near.

Russell Leaper, Kilmallie Community Council secretary, said: "It will take some time to assess the full implications of the fire. At this stage we don’t know how the fire started and after some of the driest conditions experienced in many years there will be lessons to be learnt.

“We had many accounts of superb work by the police and fire services who worked so effectively to minimise the damage. Kilmallie Community Council thanks everyone involved.”