THE fire service is warning that there is a very high risk of wildfires across parts of Scotland over the next few days.
People are being urged to exercise “extreme caution” and think twice about doing anything involving a naked flame while in rural areas.
The alert – issued by the fire service in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) – covers Easter Ross, central Highlands and south-west Scotland, while a moderate to high warning is in place for Central and Western Scotland.
The warnings come after days of hot and dry weather across the country, with temperatures reaching 29C at Threave in Dumfries and Galloway yesterday.
READ MORE: Scots sizzle in 'hottest day of the year' as temperatures soar
Wildfires have the potential to burn for days, devastate vast areas of land and threaten nearby communities.
Deputy assistant chief officer Alasdair Perry, head of prevention and protection for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), said: “We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.
“Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.
“Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.
READ MORE: Scots urged to think about their water usage during heatwave
“These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments, and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”
The warnings cover the period from today until Monday, July 26.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel