Extreme wildfire warning issued after blaze as UK bakes in boiling temperatures

11 May 2024 , 14:08

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Extreme wildfire warning issued after blaze as UK bakes in boiling temperatures

An “extreme” warning for wildfire risk has been issued for large parts of the northern UK as hot weather takes hold.

Large parts of northern Scotland and the Highlands are under extreme risk of wildfires due to high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds, The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) warned.

Much of the rest of Scotland was also at “very high” risk of wildfires, the service said, with warnings in place throughout Saturday as the UK bakes in scorching temperatures.

Last Friday and Saturday the service issued an extreme wildfire warning for north-west Scotland as a wildfire devastated an area in the Highlands.

SFRS has released a video showing the intense and rapid spread of the recent wildfire in the village of Glenuig in Lochaber in the Highlands, the Daily Record reports.

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The wildfire spread over two miles before being extinguished by more than 30 firefighters (SFRS)

The blaze spread over two miles and took the efforts of more than 30 firefighters over two days before it was finally brought under control.

Spring is a common time for wildfires to break out in Scotland as lots of leftover dead vegitation is present and as warm weather dries it out it can become the perfect fuel for fires.

Wildfires cause significant damage to rural communities, the SFRS said, with many villages “hugely impacted” by the effects of the fires.

Group Commander Niall MacLennan, an SFRS wildfire tactical adviser, urged people heading into the countryside to act with caution and avoid naked flames.

SFRS issued and extreme warning for parts of the north with very high for many other areas (EFFIS)

He said: "Over the weekend, the risk of wildfire is very real due to the higher temperatures and forecast low relative humidity.

"This contributes significantly to drying and lowering of moisture content in fine fuels, which are predominant in our countryside.

"If a naked flame comes into contact with this vegetation, it will act as a fuel and could spread rapidly. We know how damaging wildfires can be to the environment, wildlife and nearby communities and they place a significant demand on our emergency service.

"Human behaviour plays a significant role in preventing wildfires and clearly with this spell of warm weather, we anticipate large volumes of people will enter the countryside this weekend.

"We must ask that people behave responsibly and to please think twice before using any naked flames."

The weather over the next few days is expected to be dominated by high pressure and a combination of high temperatures, low humidity and strengthening winds, contributing to the wildfire risk.

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Ryan Thom