Forest fires burn out of control

Published on Tuesday 17 April 2007 02:23

FORESTRY workers and firefighters were yesterday trying to contain woodland and grass fires in Scotland.

A blaze burned out of control in the Galloway Forest Park for the second day running.

Firefighters were called to the blaze on Sunday morning,

but because of the inaccessible area miles into the park, the Forestry Commission called in helicopters.

A specialist team was brought in yesterday to bring the blaze burning on a five-mile front near Loch Dee in between New Galloway and Newton Stewart under control. More than 60 square miles of grass and trees have been destroyed in the fire, which is thought to have been started accidentally by campers.

Helicopters have been using a fine spray to put out the fire and prevent it spreading.

A Dumfries and Galloway Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "We had to withdraw crews from the hillsides at night and we have not been asked to go back. The commission have brought in a specialist team."

The Galloway Forest Park covers more than 300 square miles and is one of the country's most picturesque areas with forest, moorland, lochs and mountains.

Meanwhile, more than 60 firefighters spent over a day tackling a blaze that destroyed 13 square miles of moorland in the Highlands.

The fire has also affected four acres of forest near Bettyhill in Sutherland. Last night, the outbreak was under control.