Firefighters remain at the scene four days after a “large” wildfire broke out across Galloway Forest Park and spread towards Ayrshire.
Firefighters worked through the night to deal with the large blaze after it was first reported around 11.50pm on Friday.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed one appliance remained at the scene on Monday morning.
The blaze is affecting Merrick Hill, Ben Yellary, Glen Trool and Loch Dee near Newton Stewart.
Galloway MRTHelicopters were previously used to “water-bomb” the fire, SFRS said.
Members of the public were asked to avoid the area as the fire spread to Loch Doon in South Ayrshire on Sunday.
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met on Sunday evening to discuss the response to the fire in the Galloway area.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance, who chaired the meeting, said the situation is under control.
“I am extremely grateful to all the first responders who have been working hard to control this fire since it was first reported on Thursday,” she said.
“Thanks to their efforts, significant progress has been made and the situation is currently under control.”
She added: “I am reassured to hear that so far there has been no damage to properties or mature woodland. However, this remains an on-going incident and the situation will be re-assessed at first light.
“Earlier this week the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued an extreme wildfire warning due to the dry conditions across much of Scotland. As we continue to see a period of warm and dry weather, it’s essential that all of us act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors so we can keep the number of wildfires at an absolute minimum.”
It comes after an extended stretch of dry, warm weather across Scotland which is predicted to last until at least the end of this week, with the fire service issuing warnings about wildfires.
Group commander Garry Douglas, an SFRS tactical adviser, previously said: “During any period of heightened risk, fires can ignite easily, spread very quickly, and burn with high intensity.
“At this time of year in early spring, we typically have a large volume of dead, bone-dry vegetation across large areas of countryside.
“This essentially acts as a fuel for fire.
“There are currently vast areas that are tinder-dry and vulnerable, which provides all the ingredients for fire to take hold and spread.
“Human behaviour is the cause of most wildfires in Scotland, so it is imperative we all act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors, especially over the coming days of predicted sunshine.
“By following some simple but key advice, we can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire occurring.”
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met on Sunday evening to discuss the response to the ongoing fire.
Cabinet secretary for justice and home affairs, Angela Constance, said: “I am extremely grateful to all the first responders who have been working hard to control this fire since it was first reported on Thursday. Thanks to their efforts, significant progress has been made and the situation is currently under control.
“I am reassured to hear that so far there has been no damage to properties or mature woodland. However, this remains an on-going incident and the situation will be re-assessed at first light.
“Earlier this week the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued an extreme wildfire warning due to the dry conditions across much of Scotland.
“As we continue to see a period of warm and dry weather, it’s essential that all of us act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors so we can keep the number of wildfires at an absolute minimum.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 4.14 pm on Thursday, April 3, to reports of a large area of grass on fire north of Loch Dee in Galloway Forest Park.
“Operations control mobilised one appliance to the scene.
“There are no reported casualties, and crews remain in attendance.”
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