Visitors to an iconic Scots beauty spot reportedly started a massive blaze after setting off fireworks despite a ‘very high’ wildfire warning.
An area around the size of five football pitches was badly damaged in Glen Etive, near Fort William, on Sunday.
Fire crews raced to the scene to tackle the fierce flames, which quickly spread due to tinder dry weather conditions across the Highlands.
Brave estate staff also battled for around 90 minutes to help extinguish the blaze.
The National Trust for Scotland has now shared images of the badly-charred land on social media and are urging visitors to avoid using naked flames in the countryside.
They said: “After we posted on Friday about the extremely high fire risk this weekend, we're sad to share that there has been a blaze in Glen Etive today.
“This was on a neighbouring estate. It has scorched an area of hillside the size of 4 to 5 football pitches.
“It took two fire engines and staff from three estates, one and a half hours to put out. Well done guys.
“It seems to have been caused by visitors who set off fireworks but something like this could easily have resulted from one of a number of campfires lit in the Glen on Friday and Saturday night too (despite the obviously hot, parched conditions, signage and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service warnings).
“Click on the photos to see the impact a careless wee spark (or sparkler) can have on tinder dry vegetation. Totally avoidable.
“Again, we ask that if you are coming to visit precious natural landscapes like Glen Etive, please treat them with the care, respect and common sense they deserve.
“And please share this message as widely as possible to help avoid more preventable fires this spring.”
We previously shared dramatic images of a massive blaze on ‘Anthrax Island’, located off the north west coast of Scotland, after a wildfire broke out at the weekend.
Locals reported seeing flames and smoke pouring into the sky after the fire broke out on Gruinard Island on Saturday night.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Group Commander, Niall MacLennan issued a warning to members of the public last week after warmer weather increased the fire risk.
He said: "Numerous wildfires across Scotland this week, including large fires on Ben Lomond and near Mallaig have shown how real the danger of fire is in the countryside and how damaging it can be to the environment, wildlife and nearby communities.
“With rising temperatures this weekend and further dry conditions into next week, wildfires could burn and spread with very high intensity in high-risk areas.
"Therefore, we are asking people to act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors and please think twice before using anything involving a naked flame."
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