Emergency crews tackle wildfire amid ‘extreme’ risk warning

Firefighters are tackling a grass blaze on hills near Glasgow amid an “extreme” risk of wildfire warning from the fire service.

Emergency services were called to the scene in the Kilpatrick Hills near Milngavie at around 5.30pm on Tuesday.

Two appliances were at the scene in East Dunbartonshire on Wednesday morning.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has warned there is a “very high” to “extreme” risk of wildfire across Scotland from Wednesday 2 until Monday 7 April as the country enjoys dry and sunny weather.

Together with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, it is urging people to avoid lighting fires outdoors across all areas of Scotland during this time.

Group Commander Garry Douglas, an SFRS tactical adviser, said: “During any period of heightened risk, fires can ignite easily, spread very quickly, and burn with high intensity.

“At this time of year in early spring, we typically have a large volume of dead, bone-dry vegetation across large areas of countryside. This essentially acts as a fuel for fire.

“There are currently vast areas that are tinder dry and vulnerable, which provides all the ingredients for fire to take hold and spread.

“Human behaviour is the cause of most wildfires in Scotland, so it is imperative we all act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors, especially over the coming days of predicted sunshine.

“By following some simple but key advice, we can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire occurring.”

It is the third wildfire warning issued by SFRS so far this year amid dry weather.