Multiple fire crews are in attendance at a fire on an Aberdeen nature reserve that broke out earlier on Wednesday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Donmouth Nature Reserve in Bridge of Don on the northern edge of the Granite City shortly before 6pm. Images and videos shared on social media show the fire taking hold among the dunes on the reserve, which is known for its waterfowl and seals.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service initially sent two appliances to the fire, but has since escalated the incident and sent a further three, as well as specialist units. Community news page Fubar News has urged locals to close their windows and doors after claiming residents were being blighted with smoke.
It said in a post: "Hi, there are fire crews in attendance at a fire in the dunes near the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. Smoke blowing into the houses near there. Stay careful and safe and out of the way of emergency crews."
An SFRS spokesperson said: "We are current on the scene of a fire at the Donmouth Nature Reserve in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. We received a call at 5.52pm on Wednesday June 14.
"We have five appliances there at the moment, and specialist units."
Crews were able to bring the fire under control around two hours later. The SFRS has stood down its crews.
A spokesperson later added: "All hotspots have now been extinguished in relation to this incident. Crews are now packing up as of 7.50pm."
The fire is the latest in a number of blazes to have blighted Scotland's rural beauty spots amid hot and dry conditions. Fire crews have recently tackled two huge wildfires in Cannich and Daviot in the Highlands.
Another is reported to be ongoing in Torlundy, near Fort William, while crews in the west recently addressed a fire in the Campsie Fells. "Extreme" wildfire warnings were in place across much of the country last weekend.
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