Local heroes praised for help tackling Ross-shire wildfire; Blaze near Tarvie sparks remarkable community effort
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ESTATE workers, local volunteers and community workers who rallied to help firefighters tame a raging blaze in a remote part of Ross-shire have been hailed for their valiant efforts.
Pictures taken from the thick of the action on an area of hillside near Tarvie reveal the extent of the challenge facing five crews and the vital importance of teamwork at a time of crisis.
The alarm was raised with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at 1.36pm on Friday, sparking a two-day battle involving crews from Dingwall, Muir of Ord, Beauly, Cromarty and Inverness.
The blaze came just a month after workshops were held in Wester Ross raising awareness of the risk.
Tinder dry conditions across vast swathes of Ross-shire have left the service on high alert and prompted reminders to the public to do all they can to minimise the fire risk.
Firefighters mobilised to Tarvie were joined by local volunteers at the nearby public hall at Garve, specially opened to offer refreshments, toilets and a base for those working round the clock, to take a break.
People who work with the Contin food bank also sprung into action by delivering welcome refreshments.
Uisdean Menzies of the hall committee said: “The fire was fierce. It was a good local response with everyone pitching in to help. It was a good example of people pulling together.”
Firefighters said the community support was hugely welcome given that it took a long walk in to get to the heart of the blaze. Many of those involved in tackling such fires are retained firefighters who also have primary jobs and are released by community-minded employers when the call comes.
More local news in this week's Ross-shire Journal - out now.
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