Rural areas put on high alert over risk from deadly wildfires

There have already been incidents where local estate keepers and SFRS have been called in to help extinguish wildfires.

The use of sky lanterns, cigarette butts cast aside during outdoor exercise and sparks from garden bonfires are all among the possible sources of danger, SFRS and SNH staff said.

The organisations are particularly keen to ensure both land managers and the public take extra care to prevent incidents during the Covid-19 pandemic.

They said that avoiding extra pressure on “stretched to the maximum” emergency services would be crucial, adding that anyone injured in fires may run the risk of limited availability of ambulance crews and hospital beds.

The impact of a major blaze on local wildlife and habitats could also be devastating, they warned.

Adam Rose, SNH’s Reserve Manager for Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve near Golspie, said: “We are appealing to local communities and those planning on taking their daily recreation at Loch Fleet to be aware of the current high fire risk and help us to avoid fires.

“A fire at Loch Fleet would not only cause significant damage to the reserve’s nationally and internationally important habitats and species, but also potentially harm local residents and businesses that surround the reserve, as well as placing an unnecessary strain on emergency services.”

Station Commander Jason Gardiner, Sutherland District Manager with SFRS, stressed that areas like the Highlands were particularly vulnerable.

He added: “Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires which can cause significant environmental and economic damage.

“Livestock, farmland, wildlife, woodlands, moors and peatlands can all be devastated by fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.”

Mr Gardiner added: “How people behave can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it’s crucial everyone acts safely and responsibly in rural environments.”

The warning comes after a large section of Britain’s largest continuous reedbed was destroyed by a fire which broke out on April 27.

Tay Reedbeds, located between Dundee and Perth, is home to many rare and restricted-range animals, including Western Marsh Harriers and the country’s biggest population of Bearded Tits.

However, a major part of this special habitat, more than half of which is owned and run as a nature reserve by the RSPB, was wiped out.

The blaze also sent up large plumes of smoke from the river bank, near the village of Errol, for most of the day. These could be seen from as far away as Portobello in Edinburgh.

At the time of the fire, a spokesperson for the RSPB said: “This is a tragedy for many rare and threatened birds, right at the time when they are nesting and trying to raise their chicks.

“Conditions have been exceptionally dry like elsewhere and the fire hazard in the countryside is very high right now.”

The spokesperson added: “It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area, Special Area of Conservation and a Ramsar site.”

Denise Reed, Scottish Natural Heritage Area Manager for Tayside and Grampian, added: “We are extremely saddened to see such an extensive fire at this nationally and internationally important wildlife site.

“The effects of wildfire can be devastating at any time but particularly at this time of year for nesting birds and their young, including the important populations of Western Marsh Harrier, Water Rail and Bearded Tit that nest at this site.”

The public can help prevent wildfires in the Highlands and other rural or remote areas by making sure they dispose of litter and smoking materials carefully. They should also exercise particular caution when burning any garden waste. Advice can be found by visiting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website at www.firescotland.gov.uk.