Helicopter called in to battle Highland wildfire

A helicopter has been called in to water bomb a wildfire in the Highlands.

Fire crews were initially called out to the blaze at 3.38pm yesterday at Golticlay, near Lybster, Caithness.

A fire service spokeswoman said four appliances, including a special wildfire unit, were deployed as well as the helicopter.

She said: “It has affected around 100 acres of Forestry Commission trees, with pockets close to timber stacks.”

At its height the front of the wildfire covered around 1km and 19 firefighters were battling it.

Two appliances are still at the site this morning while forestry workers are also assisting.