Firefighters Continue to Battle Five-Mile Wildfire on Campsie Fells Near Glasgow
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Firefighters are continuing to battle a five-mile wildfire which broke out on the Campsie Fells near Glasgow. The blaze, which has been burning for three days, sent plumes of smoke hundreds of feet into the sky and was visible across Scotland’s largest city. Three fire appliances remain at the scene, and crews are continuing to monitor the landscape near Fintry, Stirlingshire, for further outbreaks.
The wildfire is believed to have been sparked by the current warm and dry spell, which has turned brush and grass in the area into tinderbox conditions. In response to the increased risk of wildfires, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) issued a “very high” warning for the area. The alert runs from Wednesday to Saturday, with the fire service warning members of the public that even the smallest fire can spread uncontrollably and devastate entire hillsides.
To help contain the fire, helicopters have been dropping waterbombs on the blaze. So far, the majority of the fire is now under control, but firefighters will remain at the scene to ensure that the blaze does not reignite.
The wildfire on the Campsie Fells is just one of a number of wildfires that have broken out in Scotland recently. Another wildfire has been burning for almost two weeks near Inverness, causing extensive damage to an RSPB Scotland nature reserve. The fire is believed to have been caused by a campfire.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are urging members of the public to take extra care when in the countryside, as even the smallest fire can cause extensive damage. They are also warning people to be aware of the current “very high” risk of wildfires, and to take all necessary precautions to prevent further outbreaks.
