EXTREME wildfire warning in place from Friday, 11 April
The warning will cover all areas of Scotland
Firefighters across Scotland have been tackling a number of large outdoor fires this week as an 'extreme' wildfire warning covering the whole of Scotland will come into force covering Friday, 11 April and Saturday, 12 April.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, issued the warning today.
As the warm weather looks set to continue for the coming days ahead, the public is being urged to exercise caution if out and about in rural areas during the Easter holidays and avoid lighting outdoor fires.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour is Head of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness at SFRS. He said: "Wildfires have the potential to burn for days, as we've seen this week in Dumfries and Galloway, and they spread through vast areas of land in our countryside, which is devastating for those who live nearby.
"Our firefighters will continue to work with local landowners and other partners to bring these fires under control.
"As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire, and so we are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.
"Responsible human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code."