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Major wildfire threatens Moray wind farm

JASPERIMAGE Moray wildfireJASPERIMAGE
More than 50 firefighters were tackling the fire

Firefighters have worked through the night tackling a large wildfire near a wind farm in Moray.

The alarm was raised just before 15:00 on Monday when flames were spotted near Paul's Hill wind farm at Knockando, south west of Elgin.

About 30 firefighters were at the scene of the blaze but at its height more than 50 people were involved.

The blaze covers an area of six miles by two miles. There were no reports of any casualties.

JASPERIMAGE Moray wildfireJASPERIMAGE
The fire was burning on several fronts on Monday evening

The Paul's Hill wind farm, consisting of 28 turbines, is run by Fred Olsen Renewables.

There was a large grass fire in the same area last weekend.

Firefighters are also tackling a separate wildfire affecting about 75 acres of land in Lochaber.

It broke out south of Kinlochleven on Sunday and was still burning on Monday evening.

The flames were being fanned by windy conditions, and four pumps were sent to the scene.

Conor Small Conor SmallConor Small
The fire lit up the sky behind the military training base at Kinlochleven on Sunday night

Fire crews have also been tackling a large grass fire in the west of Scotland.

Nine fire engines were sent to the scene near Bonhill, West Dunbartonshire, after the alarm was raised at around 17:30 on Monday.

One fire engine remained at the scene on Tuesday morning.

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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been on wildfire alert for number of days because of what they say is "tinder dry" conditions.

It said on Twitter: "Our crews have worked tirelessly to tackle a large number of significant wildfires across Scotland this #Easter weekend.

"There remains an extreme risk of wildfire across the country in the coming days, with temperatures remaining high and moisture levels low.

"We encourage everyone who is enjoying the countryside during this period of extreme danger to exercise caution and be aware of how easily fires can start - and spread."