Firefighters have released pictures showing the extent of damage left by a wildfire which broke out between the Highlands and Moray.
Emergency services were called to the blaze in the Culbin Forest area at around 8.37am on Monday.
The forest area stretches for around 20 miles from Nairn to Burghead.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed two appliances remained at the scene on Wednesday afternoon.
Fochabers Fire StationA helicopter is also at the scene dropping water on the affected area.
At its height, 30 firefighters were at the scene battling the blaze that was around 800 x 500 metres in size.
Fochabers Fire StationA spokesperson for Fochabers Fire Station said the warm weather has made firefighting “extremely hard”.
“The crew have been really busy over the last two days, fighting a large fire at Culbin Forest with our colleagues from all over Moray, Highlands and Aberdeenshire, Forestry Commission and other partner agencies,” they said.
Fochabers Fire StationThey added: “Conditions with the weather have made firefighting extremely hard, the extreme heat has also been a challenge and they have worked long hours on top of their own day to day work to bring this large fire hopefully under control now, although some were a bit grumpy not naming anyone they all did a great job.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Crews continue to work in Culbin Forest, Forres, with two appliances and specialist resources remaining at the scene.
Fochabers Fire Station“We remind the public to avoid the area and those who live nearby are advised to close windows and doors due to the smoke in the vicinity.
“At its height, more than 30 firefighters were working to make the area safe.
“They continue to be supported by a helicopter, which is dropping water on the affected area.”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
