Firefighters battle Isle of Arran wildfire for third day as public urged to avoid area

Firefighters remain at the scene of a wildfire for the third day on the Isle of Arran amid an “extreme” warning.

Emergency services were called to reports of a grass fire near Glen Rosa at around 12.42pm on Thursday.

Three fire engines were sent to the scene of the blaze which was affecting an area of grass measuring approximately 600m x 600m.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed one appliance remained at the scene and a helicopter was continuing to deploy water over the affected area on Saturday.

Wildfire on Arran. What’s Happening On Arran

Crews are also monitoring the area for small fires, and there are no reported casualties.

People are advised to avoid the area and stay away from the footpaths into Glen Rosa, Goatfell and Glen Sannox until further notice.

It comes after SFRS issued an “extreme risk” alert across the whole of Scotland from Friday, April 11, until Saturday, April 12.

A wildfire in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, was extinguished at 8.30am on Saturday after igniting on Thursday, with a fire engine being sent back to the scene to ensure it has not reignited, according to a spokesperson for SFRS.

A spokesperson said: “The Cumbernauld one has been extinguished.

“We are sending an appliance now to make sure it has not reignited. At 8.30am they left the incident.

“We are going back to make sure there is not a fire.”

A wildfire on the Pentlands hills, near Edinburgh, was extinguished at 10.35pm on Friday.

A spokesperson for SFRS said: “We left last night around 10.35pm, three appliances attended it.”

A fire in Acharacle, Highlands, has been burning for two days, with two fire crews at the scene, a spokesperson added.

Deputy assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour, head of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness at SFRS, said: “Wildfires have the potential to burn for days, as we’ve seen this week in Dumfries and Galloway, and they spread through vast areas of land in our countryside, which is devastating for those who live nearby.

“Our firefighters will continue to work with local landowners and other partners to bring these fires under control.

“As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire, and so we are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.

“Responsible human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”