Warning on wildfire incidents in the isles

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) local senior officer for the isles is urging communities to help reduce wildfire incidents.

Last year firefighters were called to deal with hundreds of wildfire/grassfire incidents across Scotland, and the demand on SFRS resources was significant. It is hoped that an awareness raising campaign will help reduce that demand.

The fire service say that we are now entering that time of year when the risk of wildfire is at its highest and SFRS is keen to work with land managers, tourists and communities to help cut the number fires in a bid to protect the countryside and its residents.

Local Senior Officer for Western Isles, Shetland and Orkney, Billy Wilson, said: “Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to Join Scotland’s fight against fire and we are asking communities, tourists and visitors to be aware of the heightened risk of wildfire at this time of year.

“We want people to act responsibly in a countryside environment, such as properly disposing of smoking materials to prevent these fires happening in the first place. We had a number of large wildfires last year which affected areas of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland.”

Further information is available on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website www.firescotland.gov.uk