Scottish Fire and Rescue Service warn of ‘very high risk’ of wildfires in Highland and Moray as temperatures soar to 25C: public urged to avoid using naked flames outdoors
Members of the public are being warned that much of the Highlands and Moray will be at “very high risk” of wildfires over the next few days.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) issued its 10th wildfire alert of the year for the period Wednesday, August 13 (tomorrow) to Tuesday, August 19.
SFRS group commander Niall MacLennan made an impassioned plea to people to avoid risking the use of naked flames outdoors.
The Met Office has said temperatures could reach as high as 25C in parts of the Highlands and Moray on Wednesday.
Wildfires, with the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, have hit various parts of the country in the last few months, with the recent Dava Moor blaze among the worst.
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Group Commander MacLennan, one of the SFRS wildfire tactical advisers, said: “During periods when the risk of wildfires is high, we want people to avoid using portable barbecues, discarding cigarettes on the ground or lighting campfires in or near areas of vegetation as these all pose a significant threat.
"We know the vast majority of wildfires are started by human behaviour, so acting responsibly can lower the chance of a fire starting in the first place.
"Help us protect remote and rural communities, who can be hugely impacted by wildfires, by following the safety advice and being familiar with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code."
Wildfire prevention and safety advice can be found on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's website, with further info from the Scottish Outdoor Access Code online here.