Estate staff and emergency crews tackle five-mile-long wildfire in Assynt

Emergency crews and estate staff tackled a five-mile-long wildfire in Assynt on Saturday.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was called to the blaze near Fionn Loch, southeast of Lochinver, at around 1.51pm.

Three appliances were deployed and the fire’s front was reported as between four and five miles long.

The Assynt Foundation, a charity which manages the estates of Glencanisp and Drumrunie, thanked staff from neighbouring estates who were able to put the fire out with leafblowers.

The Assynt Foundation thanked staff from neighbouring estates who were able to put the fire out with leafblowers. The Assynt Foundation

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the wildfire in Assynt had a front four-to-five miles long. The Assynt Foundation

It comes after the fire service and the Scottish Wildfire Forum warned of an “extreme” and “very high” risk of wildfire in parts of Scotland over the weekend following dry weather.

An extreme risk of wildfire came into force in western Scotland on Friday and remains in place until Sunday.

In central and eastern Scotland, there is a very high risk of wildfire warning.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Wildfire Forum have urged people to avoid lighting outdoor fires in those areas.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was called to a wildfire in Assynt near Fionn Loch. The Assynt Foundation

Deputy assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour, the fire service head of prevention and chairman of the forum, said: “Wildfires have the potential to destroy property, landscapes and wildlife, which is why it is so important that members of the public use extreme caution under these conditions.

“People living in the impacted areas should avoid lighting outdoor fires and be mindful that one spark can spread, causing a large amount of damage.

“Remember, there’s no such thing as a harmless fire.

“Share wildfire warnings with your family, friends, and visitors.

“If anyone spots a large outdoor fire, please report it immediately by calling 999, providing your location, and any other relevant information so we can respond quickly.”