Fierce gorse blaze south of Inverness extinguished after 6 hours

Dozens of firefighters were called to the B861, south-east of Inverness, to tackle a wildfire.

By Michelle Henderson

March 21 2025, 11:53 am

Firefighters have extinguished a gorse fire south of Inverness after six hours.

Dozens of firefighters were called to the B861, south-east of Inverness, to tackle a wildfire shortly after 10am on Friday, March 21.

Six fire crews were tasked to the blaze close to the Tomfat Plantation, between Culduthel and Inverarnie.

Officials from the SFRS confirmed there was “no immediate threat” to people or nearby structures as efforts to extinguish the flames continued.

Early reports confirmed the blaze covered a large area; roughly 100 metres by 200 metres.

Large flame rises above bushes on B861. — Pictures taken at the scene of the fire show the ferocity of the flames rising beyond the bushes. Image: Sandy McCook/ DC Thomson.

Large flames rise from bushes along the B861, — Firefighters were faced with extreme flames as a result of the gorse fire. Image: Sandy McCook/DC Thomson.

Strong winds hampered the efforts of fire crews on the ground, with gusts causing the flames to spread rapidly across the rural area.

Dramatic pictures taken at the scene show the severity of the blaze, with flames rising several feet into the air.

Inverness residents reported seeing a large plume of smoke over the city as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.

The road was closed as the emergency services worked to extinguish the blaze, however the route has now been fully reopened.

Firefighters called to Inverness gorse fire

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was first notified about the fire at 10.14am.

Six fire appliances from Inverness, Beauly, Drumnadrochit, Fortrose and Dingwall were tasked to the scene.

Officials from the SFRS confirmed there was “no immediate threat” to people or nearby structures.

Large flames rise up from beyond bushes as a firefighters stands close by. — Pictures taken at the scene of a gorse fire south of Inverness show the severity of the incident. Image: Sandy McCook/DC Thomson

fire engine and police car lined up along B861. — Emergency services were called to the B861 shortly after 10am this morning. Image: Sandy McCook/DC Thomson.

In a statement, a SFRS spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 10.14am on Friday, March 21, to reports of a wildfire off the B861 between Inverness and Farr.

“Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances and special resources to the scene.

“There is no immediate threat to life or nearby property.”

Police are also on the scene assisting fire crews.

A statement, posted by the force on social media, reads: “The B861 is closed due to a wildfire between Inverness and Farr. Please avoid the area.”

Buses diverted away from Inverness fire

The Highland Council’s number 14 service was diverted away from the area as efforts to dampen the flames continue.

In a statement, posted on Facebook, by Highland Council Buses it reads: “Due to the ongoing fire on the B861 between Culduthel and Inverarnie, our service 14 from Inverness Bridge Street to Whitebridge (via Inverness Royal Academy) at 1225 will have to operate a diversionary route using the A9 to re-joining the scheduled route at Invernarnie.

“Apologies for any inconvenience caused by this.”