Scottish Fire And Rescue and Police Scotland are appealing to the public to take extra care during this period of hot weather to avoid any accidental grass fires.
During hot and dry weather the risk of grass fires increases, but by being alert to the risk you can help prevent accidental fires.
A Fire at Kelloholm this weekend was thought to have been started by discarded cigarette.
When in the countryside
• Making sure any barbecue or disposable barbecue is only used in a suitable location and is extinguished properly after use
• Extinguishing cigarettes completely and not throwing cigarette ends on the ground
• Not leaving bottles or glass in woodland – sunlight shining through glass can start fires
LSO Middlemiss said: “As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire.
“We have seen in the last week just how challenging these fires can become – many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by these incidents, which can cause significant environmental and economic 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.
“We are appealing to people to take great care – it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and follow the countryside code.
“Just one heat source like a campfire ember can cause it to ignite and if the wind changes direction even the smallest fire can spread uncontrollably and devastate entire hillsides.”
SFRS Area Manager Bruce Farquharson is the chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum.
He said: “At the start of spring there is often a lot of dead vegetation leftover from last year – this fuel can dry out quickly with higher temperatures and lower humidity levels.
“A great many people will be enjoying the outdoors in the good weather this weekend, we urge everyone to make sure that they don’t increase the chance of wildfire – be aware of the risks and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
“Wildfires are a major threat to our wildlife and wild places. We encourage people visiting the outdoors to be extra careful, and check the advice in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code before starting a fire.
“The public can help prevent wildfires by making sure they dispose of litter and smoking materials carefully while in rural areas.”
AM Farquharson added: “Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and follow the countryside code.”
The SFRS works closely with land managers, communities and other safety partners to prevent these incidents occurring.
For further advice and information about wildfires and how to prevent them visit: /your-safety/wildfires.aspx or www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/
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