THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued an update as firefighters have been tackling a number of large wildfires throughout the weekend.
A "very high" wildfire warning remains in place throughout Wednesday, 9 April, with the latest update also including an extreme risk across the southwest, eastern, central, and north of Scotland for Thursday.
Firefighters remain in Galloway Forest Park near Glentrool in Dumfries and Galloway. At its height, there were two appliances at the scene, assisted by two helicopters. SFRS has one crew in attendance today working to make the area safe.
In the north of the country, six appliances dealt with grass on fire at Stac Pollaidh, Inverpolly Forest, north of Ullapool. Due to heavy smoke in the area, members of the public were asked to stay away.
Firefighters responded to approximately 90 outdoor fires over the weekend, ranging in size and severity.
As the warm weather looks set to continue for the coming days ahead, the public is being urged to exercise caution if out and about in rural areas during the Easter holidays and avoid lighting outdoor fires.
Deputy assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour is head of prevention, protection and preparedness at SFRS.
He said: "Wildfires have the potential to burn for days, as we've seen this week in Dumfries and Galloway, and they spread through vast areas of land in our countryside, which is devastating for those who live nearby.
"Our firefighters will continue to work with local landowners and other partners to bring these fires under control.
"As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire, and so we are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.
"Responsible human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code."
