Be vigilant against moorland blazes, urges fire service 16/3/14
Islanders are being urged to help combat wildfires in the Western Isles and try to avoid a repeat of last year’s rash of moorland blazes which destroyed young animals, birds and trees.
Island fire-
This time of year is when the risk of wildfire increases and the The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is asking for community assistance to help cut he number fires.
Local Senior Officer (LSO) Billy Wilson said: “We want people to act responsibly in a countryside environment, such as properly disposing of smoking materials to prevent these fires happening in the first place.”
LSO Wilson added: “We are also speaking to land managers and asking that they do not burn out with the permitted season and ensure suitable ‘fire plans’ are in place during land management operations.
“When wildfires occur they impact greatly on rural areas and can cause substantial environmental and economic damage. Wildfires also pose a threat to communities and by raising awareness we are aiming to reduce the risk.”
There are a number of things land managers can do to help prevent wildfires, including strict adherence to the Muirburn Code, which applies to the controlled burning of heather within the permitted season.
He said many wildland fires are started deliberately or are due to careless, reckless or irresponsible behaviour.
Last year, the moorfires began in the last week in March and increased dramatically at the beginning of April.