Firefighers are battling to save wildlife at a North East nature reserve after a mile-wide grassfire broke out on sand dunes at St Combs.
RSPB bosses at Loch of Strathbeg Nature Reserve fear for the safety of hundreds of nesting birds at the site.
Six crews are at the blaze, on dunes between St Combs and Rattray Head.
Two forestry units are at work with beaters. A helicopter is heading to the scene to drop water on the fire.
In total, two pumps from Fraserburgh, one from Maud, one from Peterhead, one each from Macduff and Ellon have been joined by forestry pods from Altens, Ballater and Elgin as well as the welfare pod from Huntly.
SFRS Wildfire Project Manager Garry Burnett, who is at the scene, said: “Recent warm weather has increased the risk of outdoor fires.
“Protecting the countryside from wildfires demands that everyone recognises the risk and takes responsibility for preventing fires breaking out in the countryside and areas of grassland.”
He continued: “The dry weather at this time of year means a heightened risk of wildfire in areas of grass, heather and woodland.
“We want to make as many people aware of this to ensure they don’t cause a fire that could have devastating results.”