Drone video shows wildfire devastation ahead of heatwave

Drone footage has revealed the extent of wildfire damage caused by incidents in the Highlands last month.

There were multiple callouts in the north of the country during the last week of June, after a fire broke out on Dava Moor, just north of Grantown-on-Spey.

Eight fire engines were at various locations to extinguish blazes from Nairn in the Highlands to Knockando in Moray.

Moorland and forestry managed by Cawdor Estate, near Nairn, were among the areas affected.

Cawdor Estate carried out drone surveys of the damage. Cawdor Forestry Ltd and Cawdor Estate via Supplied

The Highland estate carried out drone surveys of the damage and has released images of the devastation.

“Following last week’s devastating wildfires, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped to fight the fires and those in support,” a spokesperson for Cawdor Estates said.

“It is such a relief that nobody was hurt in the effort to contain the fires and a credit to all those who fought in very testing conditions to keep themselves safe whilst doing their best to protect the landscape.

“The environmental damage is clear to see, but the land should recover in time with the right management.

“We are very proud of our team and the way that they acted in concert with our neighbours, a brilliant team of Gamekeepers and Estate Staff, contractors, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, PDG/Skyhook and the Police.

“Please be mindful that Wildfire risk remains very high.”

The incidents came during several days of dry, warm weather.

An extreme wildfire warning remains in place in areas throughout Scotland due to the warm and dry conditions.

The extreme danger assessment, carried out by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, will be in place from Friday until Monday.

Group commander Raymond King is a Wildfire Tactical Advisor at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He said: “We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.

“Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant 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.

“These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment, and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

“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.”