The Western Isles have been placed under a wildfire warning with an ‘extreme risk’ for moor and grass fires breakout today.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) urges island residents and visitors to exercise caution.
The extreme danger assessment also affects the northwest of Scotland. Meanwhile, the rest of Scotland has a very high risk of wildfire during the same period.
Wildfires have the potential to burn for days, devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.
Group Commander Niall MacLennan, one of SFRS’s wildfire tactical advisors, said: “We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.
"Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant 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.
"These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
"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 always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code."
‘Extreme danger’ of wildfire warning issued for Western Isles
3 May 2024
