The fire service has launched its first wildfire warning of the year.
Residents across parts of the Highlands, Islands and Aberdeenshire have been issued with two “extreme” and “very high” warnings of wildfires.
It follows a week of wintry conditions and yellow weather warnings across much of the region which continue to be in place until Sunday at 6am.
The higher risk of wildfires is due to a weather pattern of low-pressure, low humidity in the south-west, warm air in the south and cold air in the north.
Combined with the large amount of dead grass and heather left over from last year, this poses a real risk.
These can dry very quickly due to the combination of frost, low humidity, sunshine and wind which can act as a combustible fuel for wildfires.
Anyone heading out into the countryside over the coming days is being urged to be vigilant.
‘Think twice before using a naked flame’
The warning affects parts of the Highlands on the west coast and patches near Inverness and Tain. It also impacts south of Aberdeenshire and some of the Hebrides.
Residents living or travelling to rural areas are urged to take the most care to avoid fires breaking out.
During early spring, the risk is higher of wildfires being started deliberately or due to careless or irresponsible behaviour.
As a result, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has recently launched a new prevention campaign called Care for your Countryside.
SFRS station commander John Harvey said: “Over the next few days while this wildfire warning is in place, we urge people to act safely and responsibly in the countryside.
“Wildfires have devastating effects on our countryside and are extremely damaging to the environment, wildlife and nearby communities.
“With dry, winter conditions this weekend, wildfires could burn and spread with very high intensity in high-risk areas.
“Therefore, we are asking people to act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors, dispose of cigarettes carefully and please think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.”
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