Sutherland fire chief joins with local reserve manager to warn of increased wildfire risk in north
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SNH has joined with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) to issue a warning about the increased risk of wildfire across most parts of the north of Scotland.
The move follows one of the hottest April months on record with weather forecasters predicting that dry conditions will continue.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's (SFRS) Sutherland district manager Jason Gardiner and Adam Rose, SNH's reserve manager for Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve, near Golspie, have both spoken about the need to be aware of the current high fire risk.
Incidents have already occurred this year when gamekeepers from local estates and SFRS have been called out to help extinguish wildfires, including one recently in north Sutherland.
Muirburn season is now closed, but fires can start from other causes such as sparks from garden bonfires, the use of sky lanterns or a casually cast aside cigarette butt.
Mr Rose said: “We are appealing to local communities and those planning on taking their daily recreation at Loch Fleet to be aware of the current high fire risk and help us to avoid fires.
"A fire at Loch Fleet would not only cause significant damage to the reserve’s nationally and internationally important habitats and species, but also potentially harm local residents and businesses that surround the reserve, as well as placing an unnecessary strain on emergency services.”
Dornoch based Station Commander Jason Gardiner said: “Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires which can cause significant environmental and economic damage.
"Livestock, farmland, wildlife, woodlands, moors and peatlands can all be devastated by fires - as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.
"How people behave can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it’s crucial everyone acts safely and responsibly in rural environments.”
He added that he public could help prevent wildfires by making sure litter and smoking materials were disposed of carefully while in rural areas, as well as being particularly careful when burning garden waste.
Advice can be found by visiting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website at www.firescotland.gov.uk.
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