Posted BY: Bill | NwoReport
Firefighters are still battling an out-of-control wildfire that threatens to break records by engulfing a huge swathe of the Scottish Highlands.
With summer temperatures soaring, wildfire warnings were extended across Scotland as crews struggled to contain the blaze in Cannich, Inverness-shire.
By yesterday afternoon, the flames had spread through forests and glens spanning several square miles as firefighters tried to keep the blaze at bay.
As the mercury hit another high of 24.8C (76.7F) in Tyndrum, Perthshire, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) extended its 'very high' wildfire warning until June 5. The alert covers most of East, Central, and Southern Scotland.
A probe is underway to establish the cause of the Cannich blaze following speculation that careless wild campers may be to blame.
SFRS Group Commander Niall MacLennan said: 'As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire. The ongoing incident at Cannich shows just how large these fires can become.
'A mixture of seasonal weather conditions combined with very dry and dead vegetation means there is a heightened risk of fires, which can be started by the careless disposal of cigarettes as well as barbecues or campfires left unattended.'
At its height, nine engines were deployed to the blaze. A helicopter was also used to water-bomb the area. Dog walkers have been urged to avoid the zone where water is being released.
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