A warning has been issued amid a 'very high risk' of wildfires in a number of areas across Scotland this weekend. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued the alert, with Eastern, Central and Southern Scotland covered in the warning.
People who live, work or visit rural areas within these parts of Scotland are being urged to exercise caution from today - Friday May 26 - until Monday, May 29. It comes as a build of dead grass and heather left over from last year poses a potential problem. The plants can try up very quickly as temperatures risk, heightening the risk of wildfire as the weather is on the warmer side this weekend..
The very high waring has been released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) as temperature soar above 20C in large parts of the country throughout today, with the sunny conditions expected to continue throughout the weekend.
SFRS Group Commander, Niall MacLennan said: "Numerous wildfires across Scotland this Spring – including a wildfire at Kinlochmoidart which spanned the course of three days – have shown how real the danger of fire is in the countryside and how damaging it can be to the environment, wildlife and nearby communities.
"With rising temperatures this weekend and further dry conditions into next week, wildfires could burn and spread with very high intensity in high-risk areas.
"Therefore, it is crucial that people act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors and please think twice before using anything involving a naked flame."
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