Hillside blazing
Dry conditions proving a fire risk
Around 55 firefighters tackled a wildfire that blazed in West Lothian for five days.
Scottish Fire and Rescue crews were scrambled along with six fire engines to Falla Hill Place in Fauldhouse when the alarm was first raised at 5.08pm on Wednesday, June 27.
Those crews worked through the night to tackle the flames which had taken hold of a 200 metre-wide area of woodland.
A further three fire engines were mobilised to the scene on Thursday.
Around 50 firefighters and nine fire engines remained at the scene on Friday after working throughout a second night.
Firefighters continued to tackle the blaze on Saturday before it was eventually extinguished on Sunday.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “The fire was extinguished at 12.15pm on Sunday, July 1.
“Firefighters ensured the area was made safe before leaving the scene at 12.35pm.
“The area was thereafter transferred to the control of the Forestry Commission.”
There were no casualties caused by the fire and pupils and staff from Falla Hill Primary kept firefighters going with food and drink.
A wildfire warning remained in place until Monday, July 2.
During last month’s warning, firefighters worked to extinguish a series of wildfires that swept across the Highlands and Islands as well as Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
Group manager Mark Bryce was the officer in charge of the Fauldhouse incident.
Speaking during the blaze on Friday Mr Bryce said: “The crews have been working effectively throughout the night and we are continuing to stop further spreading of the fire.
“We will remain on scene for the rest of the day to extinguish it as soon as possible.
“I would like to express a sincere thank you to our crews on the ground and our firefighters in Operations Control for continuing to effectively co-ordinate our resources.
“I would also like to thank our partners and the wider local community for their outstanding support.”
“I would like to say thank you to not only our partners but to the wider local community for their truly outstanding support.”
The wider wildfire warning currently in place across Scotland was flagged on Wednesday, June 27.
SFRS area manager Bruce Farquharson is the chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum.
He said: “Grass and wildfires are a common risk at this time of year when warmer weather dries out vegetation – especially dead winter foliage – which offers an ample fuel source.
“Just one heat source can cause it to ignite and if the wind changes direction even the smallest fire can spread uncontrollably and devastate entire hillsides.”
He added: “A great many people will be enjoying the outdoors in the good weather this weekend, we urge everyone to make sure that they don’t increase the chance of wildfire – be aware of the risks and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
For further advice and information about wildfires and how to prevent them visit: www.firescotland.gov.uk or www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/