‘Extreme’ warning for wildfires issued in Scotland

An “extreme” risk warning for wildfires has been issued covering all low-lying areas in Scotland on Friday.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has urged people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution.

Temperatures are expected to reach up to 18C on Friday following a week of dry, sunny weather.

A “very high” risk warning for wildfires is currently in place across central and south-west Scotland.

The SFRS defines wildfires as large, uncontrolled outdoor fires that can exceed 1,000 square metres in area.

The new assessment follows a previous warning, the first of the year, issued earlier this month.

Wildfires typically happen in places with combustible vegetation that acts as fuel and allows fire to spread rapidly.

SFRS Group Commander Murray Dalgleish said the public should exercise “extreme caution and think twice” before using anything involving a naked flame.

He said: “Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.

“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”