Firefighters have warned that a very high risk of wildfire is in place across East and North-east of Scotland today turning to an EXTREME RISK from March 23-25.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has urged people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution to help lower the chance of a wildfire starting.

Calder Community Garden Fire. Photo: Martin P. McAdam www.martinmcadam.com

The extreme warning, released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF), remains in place from tomorrow until Thursday.

Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, threatening the welfare of nearby communities.

SFRS Area Commander Bruce Farquharson said: “We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.

“Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.

“Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires, as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.

“These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments, and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.