Highland forestry wildlife fire extinguished

A MAJOR wildfire in the Highlands has been extinguished following a a water-bombing exercise.

Fire crews remain on site to monitor the blaze between Laggan and Dalwhinnie in Strathspey.

Approximately 500 acres of bracken and brush was affected by the fire, which had spread to a forestry plantation on Sunday afternoon.

Fire crews from Grantown, Spean Bridge, Newtonmore, Carrbridge, Cromarty and Fort William were mobilised, using beaters and knapsack water tanks.

Estate workers assisted the firefighters battle the large fire using eight Argocat all-terrain vehicles

Overnight, crews from Carrbridge and Kingussie maintained a watching brief on the incident and were joined this morning.

A helicopter was sent to the scene to assist with precision water-bombing of hotspots, and was stood down at 4.30pm on Monday after the fire was put out.

Firefighters will remain on scene to monitor the incident and will be assisted by the local landowners and staff.

Group Manager Antony Gardner reminded members of the public to be aware of outdoor fire safety.

He said: “The current hot and dry weather conditions we are experiencing pose a high risk of fire and I would urge visitors and local communities that when venturing into the countryside to be aware of outdoor fire safety.

“Members of the public should take care not to use camp fires, barbeques or carelessly discard cigarettes, glass bottles etc. which can result in significant wildfires.