Police are investigating a gorse fire at at a spot plagued by firebugs.
Fire crews were called to Sunbank Quarry in Lossiemouth on Saturday, and police have now revealed they believe it was deliberate.
The A941 Elgin to Lossiemouth road was closed between Inchbroom Road and the junction with Muirton Road while emergency services dealt with the incident.
The area has been repeatedly targeted by fire-starters, with the problem becoming so serious five years ago that a special taskforce was set up.
Firefighters, police officers, community wardens, staff from Pitgaveny Estate and Moray Council teamed out to reduce the fires – with 15 reported in 16 months between 2012 and 2013.
Nobody was ever charged in relation to the historic offences.
And Mike Mullholland, chairman of the Lossiemouth Community Council said that fires at the quarry are still a regular occurrence during the summer.
“Most summers there seems to be a fire there, and most of the time they are set deliberately,” he said. “It is a bit alarming when you see it but it is usually well-contained by the fire service.”
Once used as a recreation area, the quarry is now disused, with only dog walkers and cyclists utilising the ground. It mostly consists of gorse bushes and stones dating back from when it was in operation.
Constable Richard Broadley said: “Our inquiries so far have established that the fire was started deliberately and we would urge members of the public with information to come forward.
“Starting fires deliberately is completely reckless and puts members of the public, the emergency services and resident wildlife at risk of serious harm and injury.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 3575 of 14 July. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”