Crews from Ross-shire help fight wildfire
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FIREFIGHTERS from Ross-shire are among crews dealing with a wildfire this afternoon - just hours after a warning was issued.
The wildfire is in an area of gorse and grass behind the water treatment works in Dornoch.
The call was received by fire control at 12.37pm and five appliances are at the scene including pumps from Dornoch, Tain, Lairg, Balintore and Dingwall.
The water carrier appliance from Inverness is also at the scene and the welfare unit from Inverness is making its way to the scene.
There is a large area of grass and gorse on fire, which is being fanned by strong winds and crew have split the blaze into three sectors. Firefighters are using three hose reel jets, two main jets and fire beaters.
The incident is ongoing and Station Managers Steven Bassindale and Dave McDiarmid are at the scene.
SFRS and Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) issued a warning to the public this morning about the increased risk of wildfire over the next few days. The latest wildfire forecast suggests the risk will remain high, particularly in the east until at least April 17.
SFRS and SWF are reminding the public to be extra careful during this period of heightened risk and not to carelessly dispose of smoking materials, ensure BBQs are properly extinguished and try to avoid setting campfires.
• People are urged to call 999 if they see what they believe to be a wildfire with no obvious signs of people managing it.
