Wildfire warning as flames rage in Ross
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Wildfires continued to challenge fire crews in Lochalsh and Wester Ross this week as the scorching weather continued.
Just as the firefighters managed to halt the three-day blaze at Torridon, Wester Ross, on Tuesday, a major fire broke out in Lochalsh covering an area between Balmacara Square and Duirnish.
That blaze started about 2.50pm on Tuesday, and was so severe that helicopters were brought in to waterbomb the flames.
The aircraft were still dropping water on Wednesday, incurring a major strain on resources.
The fire was being tackled on two flanks, said a spokesman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, but there were no reports of buildings being damaged or threatened.
He added: "We deployed four appliances including a community response unit, to Balmacara. The Wildfire Unit from Inverness was also in attendance and waterbombing was being carried out. The crews were making good progress tackling the flames on two fronts."
This was the fourth major wildfire in the west Highlands since Sunday, the others being at Achintee in Strathcarron, the Sligachan and Carbost area of Skye, and then the three-day outbreak at Torridon.
A 49-year-old man will be reported to the fiscal in relation to the fire on Skye.
Fire Scotland area manager Bruce Farquharson, chairman of the Scottish Wildfire Forum, praised the "outstanding efforts of firefighters" across the Highlands and Islands since Sunday when the spate of fires began.
He said: "Their swift and professional response has led to several large and challenging wildfires being extinguished."
He said many wildfires were started by careless people and he urged the public to play their part in preventing further potentially devastating fires.
Mr Farquharson added: "Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant environmental and economic 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.
"A great many people were enjoying the outdoors in the good weather this week, but 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.
"Wild and grass fires can start by the careless disposal of cigarettes and barbecues or campfires left unattended.
"They then have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land, wildlife and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.
"Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting so it’s crucial people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and follow the countryside code.
"Many of these fires are preventable, and we again urge people to read our safety advice, and enjoy the weather responsibly."
Police Scotland’s Inspector Lynda Allan said: "It is thanks to the tireless work of retained and full-time firefighters that three fires have been brought under control with no injuries or significant damage to property.
"Police Scotland will continue to thoroughly investigate the cause of wildfires and report anyone found to be responsible to the fiscal."
Local MSP Kate Forbes said she was "humbled" to hear of the contribution of retained firefighters.
