Caithness ‘extreme’ wildfire warning extended by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) amid active blaze near Thurso
An “extreme” wildfire risk will remain across the Highlands and Moray into the weekend, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has warned.
It issued a fresh update shortly before 5pm on Thursday, which extends the warnings that were already in place.
The updated alerts also come amid further wildfire outbreaks across Scotland - including one in Caithness that resulted in residents of part of Thurso being told to keep windows and doors shut on Thursday afternoon.
That incident is understood to be a grass fire near John Kennedy Drive, which was causing “heavy smoke” in the area.
The newly-updated extreme alert will apply to virtually parts of the Highland Council area on Friday, as well as all of Moray and Aberdeenshire. Any parts not at 'extreme' level will still be considered a "very high" risk.
Some of the very highest risks of wildfire are in Caithness, Sutherland, parts of Wester Ross and Moray.
On Saturday, the risk will ease slightly, but there will still be "extreme" and "very high" warnings in force across the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire.
People enjoying the outdoors are being urged to use them responsibly, after reports of grotesquely irresponsible behaviour in some areas.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour is Head of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness at SFRS. He said: "Wildfires have the potential to burn for days 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."