Fierce blaze in progress in Dorrery area
A fierce blaze has broken out in the Dorrery area, and appears to be one of at least three wildfires in progress in the county.
A photo showing thick plumes of smoke was taken this afternoon by Thurso and Northwest Caithness councillor Matthew Reiss.
"The area is shrouded in thick smoke," said Councillor Reiss, who is Highland Council's strategic lead for police and fire.
"At least one Scottish Fire and Rescue Service [SFRS] unit is in attendance. A strong wind seems to be causing a fierce burn. I hope livestock and properties are not at risk.
"There are at least two other fires ongoing in the county, judging by the smoke. This causes a strain on SFRS and I am grateful for the 24/7 service provided by local retained firefighters, despite Covid."
Earlier this week SFRS issued a warning over a risk of wildfire in parts of the Highlands and Islands, including Caithness and Sutherland.
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."