Scottish Fire and Rescue Service warn of extreme risk of wildfire across the country this week

A very high to extreme risk of wildfire is in place across much of mainland Scotland until this Saturday, the country’s fire and rescue service has warned.

The warning is in place across the North-East, East and Central Scotland until Saturday, April 17.

There is an additional warning in place for extreme risk of wildfire across Western Scotland from April 15 to April 17.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has urged people who live within or who may visit rural areas to exercise caution.

The map attached shows the extreme risk areas this week marked in red.

Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife.

If out of control, they can threaten the welfare of nearby communities too.

Local Senior Officer Bruce Farquharson said: "We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service warn of extreme risk of wildfire across the country this week (picture: Scott J MacLucas-Paton)

"Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.

"Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires - as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.

"These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

"Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments, and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code."

This graph is a forecast from April 13 to 17 and the areas in red in Scotland which are at extreme risk of wildfire.

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