More than 30 firefighters tackle wildfire

More than 30 firefighters are tackling a forest wildfire which is in its second day.

The blaze in Culbin Forest near Forres in Moray was reported to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) at 8.37am on Monday.

At the height of the incident six fire appliances were at the scene, while specialist resources, including a helicopter dropping water on the affected area, were also involved.

SFRS said the affected area measures around 2,500 metres by 2,500 metres.

There are no reports of any injuries.

Police and the fire service have asked members of the public to avoid the area, and people who live nearby are advised to close windows and doors due to the smoke.

The fire broke out while an “extreme” risk of wildfire warning was in place across Scotland.

The SFRS warning came into force last Thursday and was in place until Monday.

An SFRS spokesperson said on Tuesday: “More than 30 firefighters are currently tackling a wildfire in Culbin Forest, Forres, measuring approximately 2,500 by 2,500 metres.

“At its height, six fire appliances and specialist resources, including a helicopter which was dropping water on the affected area, were mobilised after the alarm was raised at 8.37am on Monday.

“As a precaution, the public is asked to avoid the area and those who live nearby are advised to close windows and doors due to the smoke in the vicinity.”

Elsewhere, firefighters are tackling a grass fire in Eastriggs in Dumfries and Galloway.

The alarm was raised at around 11am on Tuesday and three fire appliances went to the scene.