‘Very high to extreme' risk of wildfires in UK this weekend, Scottish fire service warns
Wildfires are continuing to burn across the UK, with the emergency services warning of an 'extreme' risk caused by the warmer weather.
Crews in Scotland have been dealing with a large grass fire at Gartur Moss in Port of Menteith, Stirling after the alarm was raised on Wednesday.
The Scottish fire and rescue service (SFRS) said the blaze stretched half a kilometre and four fire engines remained at the scene on Thursday morning.
There is a continued 'very high to extreme' risk of wildfires across the country over the weekend, it added. People have been asked not to light outdoor fires.
'It is crucial that people understand the impact of careless fire-setting,' the area commander and local senior officer for Highland, Michael Humphreys, the SFRS wildfire lead, said.
'Even with the best intentions, small fires can rapidly spread, causing devastating damage. If you light a campfire during high winds, high temperatures and low humidity, there is potential that it could get out of control.
'Always take steps to ensure your campfire is fully extinguished before you leave. Simple steps to act safely and responsibly is a must.'
The fire service warned just last month that spring would prove the 'most critical period for wildfires in Scotland'.
Earlier in the week, crews had already extinguished a wildfire near Bonhill in West Dunbartonshire and another in the Kilpatrick Hills near Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire.
In England, the Moors Valley country park on the Dorset-Hampshire border remains closed after being hit by multiple wildfires since Monday.
Dorset and Wiltshire fire and rescue service (DWFRS) said crews were called to the park again on Wednesday after more hotspots were discovered during a reinspection near Ringwood.
Several hectares of woodland have been destroyed. No injuries have been reported.
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A spokesperson for DWFRS said: 'The cause is still unknown at this time. There is currently an amber wildfire alert in place for the service area, and we urge people to take extra care while enjoying our open spaces in the sunshine.'
A Moors Valley country park and forest spokesperson urged the public to stay away from the park.
Meanwhile, firefighters responded to two more major wildfires overnight. The first fire broke out at Upton Heath, near Poole, Dorset, just before 11.45pm on Wednesday, spreading across more than 15 hectares.
Crews were then called to a second fire at nearby Canford Heath at about 5.30am on Thursday, which covered 24 hectares. DWFRS said both fires had been brought under control by 7am, with crews continuing to damp down hotspots.
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