FIREFIGHTERS have urged locals to take precautionary measures as they tackle a “large-scale wildfire” in the Highlands.
Around 30 firefighters and a “number of specialist resources” have been dispatched to tackle the blaze at Cannich, west of Loch Ness.
Helicopters and other fire appliances have been used to tackle the ongoing wildfire, which was first reported just after midday on Sunday.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and NHS Highland have urged people in the nearby area “to close windows and doors due to increased levels smoke in the area”
Station paged last night at 18:52 to the ongoing wildfire incident at Cannich.
— Balintore Fire Station (@Balintore_Fire) May 30, 2023
Firewatch duties last night along with creqs from Beauly and Newtonmore.
The Service are continuing to tackle the fire today.#wearesfrs pic.twitter.com/nuKLcV5ZVR
Balintore Fire Station tweeted on Monday morning: “Station paged last night at 18:52 to the ongoing wildfire incident at Cannich.
“Firewatch duties last night along with creqs from Beauly and Newtonmore. The Service are continuing to tackle the fire today.”
It comes after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service warned of a “very high” risk of wildfires over the bank holiday weekend.
SFRS group commander Niall MacLennan said: "Numerous wildfires across Scotland this spring – including a wildfire at Kinlochmoidart which spanned the course of three days – have shown how real the danger of fire is in the countryside and how damaging it can be to the environment, wildlife and nearby communities.
"With rising temperatures this weekend and further dry conditions into next week, wildfires could burn and spread with very high intensity in high-risk areas.
"Therefore, it is crucial that people act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors and please think twice before using anything involving a naked flame."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel