A joint police and fire service investigation has been launched into the causes of large wildfires that burned over four days in the north of Scotland. The fires on moors and woodland were first reported to Police Scotland at about 16:05 on Saturday. Dozens of firefighters tackled the blazes, supported by volunteers and waterbombing by a helicopter. Police Scotland said incidents near Carrbridge, Grantown-on-Spey and Dava in the Highlands, and Upper Knockando were being investigated. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said one appliance remained at Dava, where a fire broke out on Saturday, as a precaution. Ch Insp Mike MacKenzie 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 inquiries 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." He added: "We are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any information that could assist with the investigation toget in touch." SFRS Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said the incidents had been challenging and required a "significant deployment of resources", including crews from across the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire. He said firefighters worked alongside landowners and others to bring the fires under control. Mr Barbour said: "I'd like to recognise the efforts of all firefighters who attended and particularly those who are on call and often combine this role with other jobs in the community. "They continue to be invaluable in responding to incidents like these that impact hugely on rural areas." One witness, who tried to put a fire out near Grantown-on-Spey in the Cairngorms National Park on Saturday,told BBC Scotland News it started south-east of Loch Allan. They said the seat of the wildfire was a ring of stones where a camp fire had been lit and camping chairs had been abandoned. The Cairngorms National Park Authority has urged people not to light campfires and barbecues. Chief executive Grant Moir said: "The effects of these fires on our wildlife and land is devastating, and we will be working with partners and landowners to assess the damage and see how we can help the recovery." Several local roads were closed as a precaution over the past four days. Residents living in Carrbridge, Grantown-on-Spey and Aviemore were advised to keep the windows of homes and businesses closed due to smoke. People living 170 miles (273km) miles away in Orkney reported smelling smoke from the wildfires.
Experts probe cause of wildfires that burned over four days
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Investigation Underway into Causes of Wildfires in Northern Scotland"
Bbc News
8.6
TruthLens AI Summary
A significant investigation has been initiated by a joint team from the police and fire service to determine the causes of extensive wildfires that ravaged parts of northern Scotland over a four-day period. The wildfires, which affected moors and woodlands, were first reported to Police Scotland on Saturday afternoon. Firefighters, supported by volunteers and a helicopter equipped for waterbombing, worked tirelessly to combat the blazes. The areas under investigation include Carrbridge, Grantown-on-Spey, Dava in the Highlands, and Upper Knockando. Although no injuries have been reported, a considerable area of the countryside has suffered severe damage. Chief Inspector Mike MacKenzie emphasized the ongoing nature of the inquiries and encouraged anyone with information to come forward to assist the investigation. Currently, one fire appliance remains stationed at Dava as a precautionary measure against any potential flare-ups.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service highlighted the challenges faced during the firefighting efforts, which necessitated a significant deployment of resources from various regions, including the Highlands, Moray, and Aberdeenshire. He expressed gratitude to all firefighters, especially those who juggle their on-call duties with other community jobs. Witnesses reported that one of the fires near Grantown-on-Spey originated from a campfire site, raising concerns about the impact of such activities on the local environment. The Cairngorms National Park Authority has urged visitors to refrain from lighting campfires and barbecues, citing the devastating effects on wildlife and land. In response to the fires, several local roads were closed, and residents in nearby areas were advised to keep windows shut to minimize smoke inhalation. Reports even indicated that smoke from the wildfires was detectable as far away as Orkney, approximately 170 miles from the affected regions.
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