'Extreme' wildfire warning issued across Scotland after BBQ causes blaze the size of ‘two rugby pitches’

An “extreme” wildfire warning has been issued across Scotland after a disposable barbecue caused a blaze the size of around “two rugby pitches”.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has issued a “very high to extreme” risk of wildfire warning across Scotland from May 7, until May 12.

The very high warning, released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, covering the whole of Scotland will remain in place until May 9.

From May 9 until 12, an “extreme danger” warning covering the north of Scotland will come into place.

Additionally, an extreme danger assessment will come into place from May 10 to 12, covering mainland Scotland.

People who live within or who may enter rural environments have been urged to exercise caution.

SFRS said: “wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife; and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.”

It comes after a disposable barbecue caused a blaze the size of around “two rugby pitches” in the Trossachs.

Woodland Trust Scotland said the two hectare fire killed nesting birds and other wildlife in the Glen Finglas region of the national park on Saturday.

The disposable grill was found with a charred burger still on top after the blaze took place.

Firefighters battled multiple blazes across Scotland in April including a grass fire that “decimated” the reptile population at Glen Rosa on the Isle of Arran.

Emergency services were called to the grass fire at Glen Rosa on Thursday, April 10, with the fire raging for three days.

Three fire engines were sent to the scene of the blaze, which affected an area of grass measuring approximately 600m by 600m.

SFRS crews, aided by a helicopter, dropped water over the affected area and eventually extinguished the fire.

Station commander Joe Fitzpatrick said: “We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.

He added that many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause “significant damage”.

He said: “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.”

He continued: “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.”