Residents urged to keep windows closed amid smoke from wildfire

Firefighters were called to the blaze as a large plume of smoke could be seen for miles.

16th May 2022

Residents in an Aberdeenshire town are being urged to keep their windows closed to avoid their homes being consumed by smoke from a nearby wildfire.

Firefighters were called to the blaze in Banff, that had spread across 300x100m, just after 2am on Monday.

Six fire appliances and specialist vehicles remain at the scene near Banff Bridge with a police presence also in attendance.

A large plume of smoke can be seen for miles and nearby roads have been closed as the emergency services tackle the flames.

Banff: Residents urged to close windows amid wildfire. Jasperimages

Drivers have been advised to avoid Union Road in Macduff which is closed from its junction with the Banff Bridge on the A98.

Diversions are also in place along the A947 and at Duff Street as a result.

Fire: Volunteers from COTAG 4X4 are also in attendance. COTAG 4×4 Response Facebookl

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 2.05am on Monday to reports of an outdoor fire at the A98 at Banff Bridge, Aberdeenshire.

“At its height a fire involving grass and gorse was spread across 300x100m.

“Road closures are in place and we would advise local residents to close windows in their homes due to levels of smoke.

“Crews remain in attendance.”

Volunteers from COTAG 4X4 are assisting the emergency services at the scene.

Stagecoach has also warned of disruption to bus services going to Aberdeen and Elgin.