Fire crews tackle blaze at Bennachie for more than 24 hours

Fire crews have been tackling a forest fire at Bennachie for more than 24 hours.

Crews were initially scrambled to the scene at Millstone Hill shortly after 8pm on Monday night, but had to later return to continue tackling the blaze.

Two appliances from Insch and Inverurie were sent back to the hill for a third time at around 5.20am on Tuesday.

Crews remained at the scene throughout the day to battle the flames with fire beaters.

Fire crews return to scene less than 12 hours later

The forestry unit from Altens also attended the scene shortly after the fire first broke out.

Emergency services initially left the scene at around 10.45pm before being called back twice during the night – at 3am and 5.20am.

Due to waterbombing by helicopter, the fire service has asked residents to avoid the area.

It is not yet known what started the blaze.

Fire crews remained at the scene until about 10pm.