A wildlife red alert has been issued with a “danger to life” warning after firefighters battled more than 90 devastating blazes across the weekend. A “very high” wildlife warning remains in place throughout today after rescue services were dispatched to put out devastating outdoor fires. Two helicopters were also in attendance along with two fire engines to help battle the inferno. With the warm weather expected to continue this week, the public has been warned of the risks of wildfire especially during the Easter break, with families enjoying the warm weather.
Deputy assistant chief officer Kenny Barbour, head of prevention, protection and preparedness at Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “Wildfires have the potential to burn for days, as we’ve seen this week in Dumfries and Galloway, and they spread through vast areas of land in our countryside, which is devastating for those who live nearby.
“Our firefighters will continue to work with local landowners and other partners to bring these fires under control. As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire, and so we are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.
“Responsible human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”
Emergency services are currently attending to fires in Stac Pollaidh, Inverpolly Forest, north of Ullapool and have asked the public to stay away from the scene due to heavy smoke. They are also urged people to avoid lighting outdoor fires due to the dry weather .
The warning comes as firefighters remain in Galloway Forest Park near Glentrool in Dumfries and Galloway following the devastating fires in Scotland. The warning comes after residents witnessed a huge fire rising from Salford in Manchester’s city centre, as well as Whitefield, on the northern side of the city, yesterday afternoon
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “AT shortly before 1.50pm on Tuesday two fire engines from Agecroft, Broughton and Salford fire stations were called to a fire involving a large pile of tyres off Duchy Road, Salford. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using jets to tackle the fire. Crews remain in attendance.”
Duchy Road lies between Salford and Pendlebury, running through a housing estate, down the side of a large green space and football pitches before intersecting with an industrial estate area. Concerned residents had taken to social media to share pictures and videos of the smoke dominating the skyline.
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