The fire service has warned of the risk of wildfires over the weekend following a massive fire in Highland Perthshire.
Around 60 hectares were affected when the Tay Forest Park caught fire near Pitlochry on Thursday afternoon.
While the cause of the fire has not yet been revealed, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has said that dry and windy weather has already resulted in several wildfire incidents, including Lochinver in Sutherland and the Ochil Hills near Stirling.
They warned that the high temperatures expected over the weekend could exacerbate any further wildfires.
Wild and grass fires can start by the careless disposal of cigarettes, and barbecues or campfires left unattended. They then have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land, wildlife and threaten nearby communities.
SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Andy Coueslant said: “Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant environmental and economic damage.
“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’s crucial people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and follow the countryside code.”
Grass and wildfires are a common risk at this time of year when warmer weather dries out vegetation – especially dead winter foliage – which offers an ample fuel source.
Michael Bruce, vice chairman of the Scottish Wildfire Forum, monitors the European Commission’s European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) – a resource that assess the risk of wildfire.
He said: “We have a high pressure weather system developing across Scotland creating these conditions at the moment.
“At the start of spring there is often a lot of dead vegetation left over from last year – this fuel can dry out quickly with higher temperatures and lower humidity levels.”
Perth and Kinross Council have also issued a warning about the danger of wildfires spreading in the wake of the Tay Forest Park blaze.
A spokeswoman said: “With the glorious weather that we have been experiencing over the past few weeks, the risk of wildfire is becoming increasingly likely.
“Please take care when using camping stoves and remember that a ring of stones will not be enough to stop an open fire smouldering underneath them.”
