Emergency crews tackle another wildfire amid ‘extreme’ risk warning

Firefighters are tackling a grass blaze in the Dumbarton area after extinguishing one near Glasgow amid an “extreme” risk of wildfire warning from the fire service.

Emergency services were called to the scene near Bonhill in West Dunbartonshire at 11.09am on Wednesday.

Four appliances were at the scene at 1.30pm.

Firefighters have extinguished a blaze in the Kilpatrick Hills near Milngavie in East Dunbartonshire which was reported at about 5.30pm on Tuesday.

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.