FIREFIGHTERS have issued a new warning about the risks of wildfires after two blazes swept through more than a half a mile-wide of vegetation near Inverness.
As many as 30 firefighters rushed to the fires which broke out between Torbreck and Essich on Sunday and the flames were being fanned by high winds.
Crews used beaters, knapsacks filled with water and high-powered hoses to get the fires under control while police closed the B861 between Slackbuie and Balnafoich to allow the emergency services access.
An electricity tower was said to have been engulfed by flames.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service had issued a warning just nine days earlier, following a series of previous wildfires in the Highlands.
They cautioned that wildfires can start by the careless disposal of cigarettes and barbecues or campfires left unattended. They then had the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land, wildlife and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.
John MacDonald, local senior officer for the Highland area, underlined their concerns while dealing with the latest blaze.
He said: "We want people to enjoy the warmer weather we have been experiencing but to do so safely and responsibly to avoid the risk of wildfires, especially during periods of dry weather.
"The public can help prevent wildfires by making sure they dispose of litter and smoking materials carefully and avoid the use of open fires while in rural areas.
"It's crucial people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and follow the countryside code."
Mr MacDonald said firefighters had worked hard through the night to control the flames.
He said: "I'd like to praise the commitment and determination of our crews when faced with this significant wildfire as they worked tirelessly and under arduous conditions.
"As well as our whole-time crews, we are also extremely grateful to our retained crews who quickly responded and supported firefighting operations which have continued through the night.
"Their responsive actions highlight just how important our retained firefighters are - particularly in rural areas - where the risk of wild and grass fires is rife at this time of year."
The wildfire has come during a period of about two weeks of dry weather in the Highlands, and is one of a number of such incidents in the region.
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