PROLONGED hot weather is causing a surge in wildfires, risking agricultural land, and even private housing.
NFUS Highland regional manager, Ian Wilson, actually attended a wildfire at Daviot, south of Inverness, last Saturday.
He explained that a combination of the dry weather, and land taking longer to get green this year, has left more dry grass and heather sitting waiting to go up in flames.
He said: “The Daviot fire is believed to have started from the heat off a transformer on an electrical line catching the dry grass around it.
“The amount of equipment and people with expertise that arrived from farms and estates locally to help, was amazing. The Fire Brigade admit themselves that they would struggle to deal with these things without the help of those with local knowledge and skill. A lot of these men are also retained firemen, so they really are invaluable in these situations.
“It was a smaller fire area-wise than the one at Cannich, but it came with the very serious challenge of coming to within 10 metres of housing and an old folks home, so these people had to be evacuated. There were numerous fire crews in attendance, as well as the local people doing their utmost to help.”
Local residents were advised to remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area.
The fire started near a caravan park on Saturday morning during what was the hottest day of the year so far in Scotland.
Mr Wilson continued that wildfires spread quickest on areas of regeneration, or where the land is under grazed, and there is more dead material, and less natural fire breaks.
“There has been no controlled burning in these areas for over 20 years,” Ian explained, “It is more your large sporting estates etc that do that now.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) are both urging anyone who is planning to visit the countryside to exercise extreme caution.
READ MORE: Firefighters continue tackling ‘mile long’ wildfire near Inverness
FLS chief executive, Simon Hodgson, said: “This last few weeks has been unusual for the lack of rainfall in some parts of the country as well as the extended period of hot, sunny weather.
“The risk of wildfire in these conditions is significantly higher than normal and we need everyone to play their part in minimising the risk.
“If you are going for a walk or planning on doing some camping, be sensible and do not take any risks. Do not light campfires, do not smoke and think twice before using a camping stove. And if you really have to use a stove, make sure it is as stable as possible, is well away from any flammable material and is on a level and preferably fire resistant surface."
SFRS and partners assisting in supporting roles have been tackling two major fires – Cannich, due west of Drumnadrochit, and at Campsie Fells, north of Glasgow – over the past 15 days.
At times there have been as many as seven fire appliances and around 50 firefighters in attendance.
READ MORE: Caution needed to counter wildfires during dry weather
SFRS group commander, Niall MacLennan, said: “We are urging the public not to discard cigarettes carelessly or light disposable barbecues or campfires in areas where there is vegetation, much of which is tinder dry.
"As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire. The ongoing incident at Cannich and our recent wildfire in Campsie Fells, shows just how large these fires can become.
“It would only take a tiny spark on dry vegetation to cause a wildfire at this time of year.
“Please follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code if you're heading into the countryside this weekend as the wildfire warning continues."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here