Firefighters are currently battling a serious wildfire that has spread across a significant area of forest in Scotland. Authorities have advised the public to avoid the affected area.
Emergency crews were first called to Glentrool in Galloway, which is located in southern Scotland, around 11:50 pm on Friday. As of Saturday afternoon, fire crews are still actively working to control the blaze.
According to police in Scotland, there is an expectation that the wildfire will reach the Loch Doon area of East Ayrshire by midnight. Efforts to combat the flames are being supported by helicopter deployments. The fire has also affected nearby locations including Merrick Hill, Ben Yellary, and Loch Dee.
Reports indicate that a similar wildfire was witnessed in the region on Thursday, covering approximately 1.5 miles (2.4km). Additionally, on Wednesday, firefighters tackled a substantial grass fire at Gartur Moss in Port of Menteith, Stirling.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has expressed concern about the need for long-term and sustained investment to address the increasing demands on their services due to the climate crisis. This week has seen a considerable number of wildfires in the UK, surpassing the number recorded during the same period last year, which already experienced record temperatures and unprecedented wildfire activity.
According to the NFCC, there have been 286 wildfires in the UK so far this year, representing a significant increase compared to the same period in 2022. The council warns that it is facing difficulties in coping with the surge in wildfires due to limited budgets.
Phil Garrigan, the chairman of the NFCC, emphasizes that climate change is the driving force behind extreme weather events such as wildfires. He points out that responding to wildfires requires substantial resources over extended periods, which can strain firefighting and rescue services. Garrigan calls for long-term and sustained investment to ensure community safety.
Fire services in Scotland, Wales, and England are urging the public to refrain from barbecues and campfires in open spaces this weekend and to properly dispose
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/apr/05/firefighters-tackle-wildfire-spreading-over-large-forest-area-in-scotland
