Scots warned against using naked flames and barbecues amid extreme wildfire risk

Fire chiefs have urged people to avoid naked flames and barbecues amid an “extreme” risk of wildfires across Scotland.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) warning is in place across the entire country from Thursday until Monday.

Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, and pose a risk to nearby communities.

On Thursday, six fire engines were dispatched to a blaze at a plot of land measuring 800 metres in Cumnock, East Ayrshire which they extinguished, with no reported casualties.

Fire crews spent five days this week battling a wildfire which broke out in a forest in Bathgate, West Lothian, while six teenage boys were charged after an alleged deliberate fire at Portlethen Moss, near Portlethen, Aberdeenshire, on Saturday.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority said it has seen “unprecedented” numbers of bin fires this year.

The fire service warned the “vast majority of wildfires” are started by human behaviour and it has urged the public to avoid lighting fires and using naked flames during the current period of dry weather.

A joint additional warning has been issued by Police Scotland, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority and West Dunbartonshire Council, highlighting the damage caused to “vulnerable ecosystems” including by cigarette butts and campfires, and the speed that wildfires can take hold.

Anyone who witnesses a wildfire is urged to dial 999 rather than assuming someone else has already done so.

SFRS wildfire lead, area commander Michael Humphreys, said: “Responsible human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting.

“That’s why we’re urging people to absolutely avoid the use of naked flames, including barbecues, at this time.

“It only takes one spark to start a wildfire and things can get out of hand very, very quickly.

“Discarded cigarettes and unsupervised campfires pose a significant threat, so it’s vital to follow all safety advice when outdoors and to make sure you are familiar with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at all times.

“Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.

“Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.

“These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of air polluting gases into the atmosphere.”

Area commander Joe McKay, SFRS local senior officer for East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute, added: “Many people are out enjoying this weather and are visiting our national parks. While we don’t want to spoil their fun, we are urging people to absolutely avoid the use of naked flames, including barbecues, at this time.”

Leigh Hamilton, ranger service manager at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “The recent wildfires in the national park highlight the devastating impact a single reckless act can have.

“A carelessly discarded barbecue or cigarette can destroy precious ecosystems, as well as lives and livelihoods.

“At this early stage in the season, we have also already seen an unprecedented number of bin fires and significant damage to visitor facilities including bins and picnic tables across our sites.

“As we face drier, more fire-prone conditions, we urge everyone to act responsibly.”

Police Scotland Chief Inspector Simon Shanks said: “As the good weather continues, we are working with our partners to encourage everyone to stay safe and behave responsibly.

“We want everyone to enjoy the local area and be safe. Please make sure you are aware of wildfire guidance and safety around open water. Take home any litter and be respectful to others at all times.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were alerted at 10.51am on Thursday to reports of grass on fire near Cumnock, East Ayrshire.

“Operations control mobilised six fire appliances and firefighters are currently working to extinguish a fire affecting a large area of grass measuring approximately 800 metres.

“There were no reported casualties and crews left the scene at approximately 3.01pm.”