Fire crews battle through a fourth day at major Highland wildfire

A wildfire warning has now been extended across many parts of Scotland until Monday, 5th June as a major Highland fire near Cannich, south of Inverness continues to blaze. Forestry Land Scotland (FLS) suspects the large wildfire, measuring approximately 8km by 8km, was started by wild campers.  Firefighters have previously attended fires at the same area on four separate occasions since 23 May.

Nine appliances have been needed to control the fire, as well as a helicopter to water bomb the area and today four appliances remain to keep the fire under control. Yesterday two firefighters attending were sent to hospital after their ATV was involved in an accident but they have now been released.

Locals are being warned not to walk their dogs near the area and to keep doors and windows closed due to smoke pollution.

Significant environmental damage

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Group Commander Niall MacLennan said: “As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire. The ongoing incident at Cannich shows just how large these fires can become.

“Many of our rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by these incidents, which can cause significant environmental and economic damage.

“A mixture of seasonal weather conditions combined with very dry and dead vegetation means there is a heightened risk of fires, which can be started by the careless disposal of cigarettes as well as barbecues or campfires left unattended.

GC MacLennan added: “Cannich has been a challenging incident. Extinguishing a fire on this scale requires a large amount of resources, including the use of helicopters to bolster our response.”

FLS north region manager Alex MacLeod, said: “This particular incident is a sobering reminder of how easily and quickly a wildfire can take hold and become a major problem.”