Fire crews tackle large grass blazes in Moray and Ayrshire

Six fire appliances, a special wild fire unit and a helicopter have been sent to the fire in Ballindalloch

JasperImage Fire engines — Six fire appliances, a special wild fire unit and a helicopter have been sent to the fire in Ballindalloch

Firefighters have been tackling two large grass fires in Moray and East Ayrshire.

The blazes near Ballindalloch and in Dalmellington came as the fire service warned of an increased risk of wildfires.

Six appliances and a special wild fire unit were called out to a blaze near Paul's Hill Wind Farm at Ballindalloch which broke out at 22:55 on Saturday.

A total of 35 firefighters eventually extinguished the blaze at about 15:20.

A helicopter was also brought in to waterbomb the area.

'Inaccessible location'

Mark Loynd, group manager with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, told BBC Scotland: "The fire was initially on two fronts and the crews had to gain access to a very rough terrain.

"It was in a very inaccessible location with very limited water supplies so most of the fire has been put out by firefighters using beaters and knapsack sprays to attack the heather that was on fire."

Group manager Mark Loynd said the crews at the Ballindalloch fire mainly used beaters and sprays to extinhuish the blaze

Group manager Mark Loynd said the crews at the Ballindalloch fire mainly used beaters and sprays to extinhuish the blaze

The cause of the fire, which covered an area of about 1km sq, is being investigated.

Mr Loynd added: "I would like to thank the crews who have been working very hard over a protracted period.

"And although it's still cool in the Highlands and Morayshire, the risk of wildfire is quite high because everything is very dry. So I would ask members of the public to please take care during the holiday period and going into the Easter weekend so we don't get any more wildfires unnecessarily."

The blaze in Dalmellington broke out in a forest near Loch Doon.

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It has been burning since Saturday - with about five miles of countryside alight.

Firefighters, supported by Police Scotland and the Scottish Forestry Commission, have remained at the scene through the night.

East Ayrshire Council has said "progress" was being made and that support was being offered for anyone nearby who had been affected.

The fire at Dalmellington broke out at 18:50 on Saturday

Kevin McKnight Forest fire at Dalmellington — The fire at Dalmellington broke out at 18:50 on Saturday

Nearby residents have been advised to shut their windows. There have been no reports of any injuries.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) spokeswoman said: "Crews are working alongside the Forestry Commission.

"We will remain on scene until the area remains safe."