Firefighters are currently battling a significant wildfire that has engulfed a vast area of forest in Scotland, prompting Police Scotland to advise the public to avoid the affected regions.
The blaze, which was first reported near Glentrool in Galloway at approximately 11:50 PM on Friday, continued to rage into Saturday afternoon, with expectations of it reaching Loch Doon in East Ayrshire by midnight.
Emergency response teams, including helicopters, have been deployed to tackle the fire, which has spread to notable locations such as Merrick Hill, Ben Yellary, and Loch Dee.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has confirmed their presence at the scene with necessary equipment.
This incident follows another wildfire reported in the same vicinity on Thursday, which spanned an area of about 1.5 miles (2.4 km). Additionally, fire crews were called to extinguish a large grass fire at Gartur Moss in Port of Menteith, Stirling, just a day earlier.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has highlighted the urgent need for “long-term and sustained investment” to manage the increasing challenges posed by the climate crisis, particularly the rising number of wildfires.
According to NFCC data, the UK has experienced 286 wildfires this year alone, a significant increase from the previous year, which also saw record-breaking temperatures and unprecedented wildfire activity.
Phil Garrigan, chairman of the NFCC, emphasized the impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as wildfires. He pointed out that effectively managing these fires requires extensive resources and often prolonged efforts, which strain other emergency services.
The NFCC has issued a stark warning to the government regarding the unsustainable nature of current funding levels in the face of escalating wildfire incidents.
In light of the current conditions, fire services across Scotland, Wales, and England are urging the public to refrain from lighting barbecues and campfires in open areas this weekend.
They are also stressing the importance of properly disposing of cigarettes to prevent further fire outbreaks.
