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Warning of 'very high' wildfire risk across Scotland

Simon McLaughlin/RSPB Scotland Aerial image of wildfireSimon McLaughlin/RSPB Scotland
An aerial image of the wildfire from last week

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has issued a Scotland-wide warning of a "very high" wildfire risk.

It comes as firefighters remain at the site of a wildfire that has been burning for almost two weeks.

The incident near Cannich in the Highlands has caused extensive damage to an RSPB Scotland nature reserve.

The alert covers most of Scotland until Saturday. Parts of the Highlands, Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders are expected to reach "extreme" risk.

The SFRS said most wildfires are started by accident.

Station commander John Harvey said: "We urge everyone to make sure that they don't increase the chance of wildfire.

"Wild and grass fires can start by the careless disposal of cigarettes and barbecues or campfires left unattended.

"They then have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land, wildlife and threaten the welfare of nearby communities."

The wildfire near Cannich started on Sunday 28 May. Forestry and Land Scotland said a campfire was believed to have been the cause.

Dozens of firefighters were supported by gamekeepers, RSPB and Forestry and Land Scotland staff.

Two firefighters were injured after their vehicle overturned.

At the height of the blaze the smoke was photographed by satellites from space.

Four appliances remained at the scene on Wednesday, with crews dealing with hotspots.

Local councillor Chris Ballance said the community of Cannich had been "traumatised" by the incident and praised the efforts of firefighters.

Balintore Fire Station/SFRS Wildfire near CannichBalintore Fire Station/SFRS
The fire affected a large area of moor and woodland near Cannich

In a letter to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Mr Ballance, said: "Thirty square miles of moor and woodland, 25 years-worth of conservation work destroyed. I smelt the smoke 12 miles away, and it was visible from space.

"On behalf of the City of Inverness area committee, and in particular my ward of Aird and Loch Ness, I have to thank you, and ask you to give our thanks to all your team, for your work in overcoming the fire at Cannich.

"As the earth burns, I can think of no better definition of the word 'hero' than 'firefighter'."

RSPB Scotland said it was still assessing the full-scale of the fire's impact on its Corrimony reserve.

A spokeswoman said: "But it is clear that it is extensive and will cost hundreds of thousands of pounds and take many years to restore."