Firefighters put out forest blaze on third day

Firefighters have extinguished a forest blaze which broke out on Saturday evening.

Emergency services were called to the scene near Loch Doon, Dalmellington, in East Ayrshire, at around 6:50pm on Saturday.

East Ayrshire Council said the fire affected an area of around five miles and urged people to stay away while emergency services dealt with the incident. Three fire engines went to the scene on Saturday evening and the Forestry Commission and Police Scotland were also involved.

The cause of the outbreak is still under investigation but the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said recent dry weather has heightened the wildfire risk.

A number of other fires broke out over the weekend, including one near Paul’s Hill wind farm near Ballindalloch.

SFRS Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay said: “Our crews across Scotland have had a challengingweekendattending numerous incidents.

“Due to the outstanding collaborative working we have been able to ensure the safety of our communities.”

Firefighters are also tackling a fire in the Highlands near the village of Kinbrace. Emergency services were alerted to the blaze in a large section of heather at about 11:23pm on Sunday.