POLICE have given an update on a wildfire which has spread across Galloway Forest Park towards Ayrshire overnight.
Firefighters worked through the night to deal with the large blaze after it was first reported around 11.50pm on Friday.
The blaze is affecting Merrick Hill, Ben Yellary, Glen Trool and Loch Dee near Newton Stewart.
Members of the public are being asked to avoid the area as the fire spread to Loch Doon in South Ayrshire on Sunday.
Residents living nearby have been advised to keep windows and doors closed.
Anyone planning to camp in the area have also been told to leave.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it was initially called around 4.20pm on Thursday to reports of a large area of grass on fire north of Loch Dee.
Three appliances remained at the scene on Saturday, with crews having a presence since the original call out.
Helicopters have also been deployed to fight the blaze, with Galloway Mountain Rescue Team also assisting.
A Police Scotland statement on Sunday read: “Emergency services and partners are continuing to deal with a wildfire affecting Loch Doon, East Ayrshire.
“People are reminded to avoid the area. Residents living nearby are advised to keep windows and doors closed."
Galloway Mountain Rescue Team said: “We were tasked yesterday evening (April 4) to assist with the evacuation of groups of walkers/wild campers in the area of the Merrick hill in Dumfries and Galloway.
“Our Volunteers worked throughout the night, with partner agencies, to locate all those in danger from the advancing wildfire.
“Mountain Rescue Drone pilots, helped provide intelligence to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in stopping the spread of this large fire, which at some points measured 2 miles wide.
“This afternoon, the fire had changed direction and MRT personnel have been tasked to areas identified as being at risk in the Loch Doon area, in Southern Ayrshire.
“We are also helping Police Scotland by providing overnight spotters who will monitor the situation until Sunday morning.”
