Wildfire warning for weekend

DUMFRIES and Galloway is at high risk of wildfires this weekend. That's the warning from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF). It's in place from today until Saturday, May 2, when it will ramp up to a very high risk. SFRS head of prevention and SWF chair, deputy assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour said: “Going into the May bank holiday weekend, we will be seeing an extreme risk of wildfire across the whole of Scotland. We know people will be wanting to enjoy the good weather, but we ask they do so responsibly. “People should avoid lighting outdoor fires and be mindful that one spark can spread causing a large amount of damage. Remember, there’s no such thing as a harmless fire.” DACO Barbour added: “Wildfires have the potential to destroy property, landscapes and wildlife, which is why it is so important that members of the public use extreme caution under these conditions. “Share wildfire warnings with your family, friends, and visitors. And if anyone spots a large outdoor fire, please report it immediately by calling 999, providing your location, and any other relevant information so we can respond quickly.” With the extension to the Muirburn season also drawing to a close on Thursday 30 April, we advise landowners to exercise caution in line with the Muirburn Code. It comes after fire crews were called to blaze near Colvend on Monday night, above.

Flames visible from Southerness beach were reported at 7.52 pm.

A SFRS spokesperson said: “We were alerted to reports of a fire in the open near to Cowden Farm, Colvend.

“Operations Control mobilised two appliances to the scene to extinguish a fire that was suspected to have originated from controlled burning.

“Crews remained on scene overnight to dampen down hotspots and left at 10.01 am on Tuesday after ensuring the area was made safe.