Emergency services in Galloway, located south of Scotland, are continuously fighting a wildfire that originated in the area and has now extended north into East Ayrshire. As a precautionary measure, walkers and wild campers in the region have been evacuated due to the spreading fire.

The wildfire began in the Newton Stewart area on Friday. Following a shift in wind direction over the weekend, it spread northward and reached Loch Doon. Local residents have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed, while the police have urged people to avoid the affected area.

Stewart Gibson, the team leader at Galloway Mountain Rescue, informed BBC Scotland that fire crews have utilized four helicopters to drop water on the flames from above. At one point, the fire had a front several miles wide.

Rising temperatures across the UK earlier this week prompted the issuance of wildfire warnings. The Scottish fire and rescue service stated that there is a “very high to extreme risk” of fires spreading due to the warm and dry conditions.

The service has cautioned the public against outdoor fires, barbecues, and has advised people to safely dispose of cigarettes and glass.

In the Highlands, farther north, crews are also battling another wildfire north of Ullapool. The roads have been closed and visibility is hindered by heavy smoke. Six crews have been deployed to combat the blaze, and firefighters on the scene have reported a firewall extending over three miles and large plumes of smoke affecting the area.

On Sunday morning, a significant wildfire that erupted on Saturday and sparked a major incident in Northern Ireland was successfully extinguished. The police apprehended one individual in connection to the fire.

More than 100 firefighters and 15 fire appliances were mobilized on Saturday to Sandbank Road, Hilltown, to tackle the blaze. Fire chiefs believed the fire was deliberately started. The Northern Ireland fire and rescue service stated that the fire had a front measuring approximately two miles, encompassing a large area of forestry near properties.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/apr/06/scottish-wildfire-forces-evacuations-as-blaze-spreads-north-from-galloway