Scottish police and fire service launch joint investigation after wildfires leave 'large areas' badly affected

A joint investigation with the police and fire service has been launched following multiple wildfires across Moray and the Highlands.

Firefighters worked “tirelessly” to extinguish blazes in the areas of Carrbridge, Grantown-on-Spey, Dava and Upper Knockando, emergency services said. The fires were first reported to police around 4.05pm on Saturday.

A number of roads were closed to keep the public safe. Firefighters were also supported by the use of helicopters provided by partners for water bombardment. The fire service deployed specialist wildfire teams and assets.

Tuesday was the fire service’s fourth day tackling some of the blazes.

Police said although no one had been injured, a large area of the countryside had been badly affected.

Enquiries are now ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the fires. Officers are asking people who saw anything suspicious to get in touch.

Yesterday was the fourth day that firefighters were battling wildfires across the north. | SGA Media/PA Wire

Chief inspector Mike MacKenzie, local area commander, said: “Fortunately no one has been injured, but a large swathe of the countryside has been badly affected. I would like to thank all the emergency services and the public involved.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and this includes the area around Lochindorb between Carrbridge and Dava and the area around Loch Allan near Dava.

“We are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any information that could assist with the investigation to get in touch.”

Professor Rory Hadden, the chair of fire science at Edinburgh University, said it was “widely expected” the number of wildfires would increase in Scotland. He said this would happen due to more periods of extreme weather driven by climate change.

“The impacts of these fires are, of course, significant,” he said. “There is a huge cost to the fire and rescue services in fighting and managing these fires – drawing resources from a wide area.

“There is the destruction of natural capital. The countryside provides important eco-system services that we all rely on and these are impacted negatively by wildfires.

“Loss of vegetation impacts on wildlife. The smoke is harmful and can impact on people large distances away, exacerbating respiratory conditions.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2281 of Saturday, June 28. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.