Firefighters have spent days battling a massive five-mile blaze near Fintry as officials warned about the risk of wildfires amid rising temperatures.
Crews were still tackling the blaze on the Campsie Fells yesterday after it broke out on Tuesday afternoon.
Huge plumes of smoke could be seen for miles as residents were urged to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed.
A single fire engine was initially sent to investigate, with six appliances at the scene at the time of going to print.
Other specialist resources – including a helicopter waterbombing the area – have also been deployed to tackle the huge blaze.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 3.54pm on Tuesday, June 6, to reports of a fire in the open at Campsie Fells, near Fintry. Operations Control initially mobilised one fire appliance to the scene, increasing to six appliances in total.
“As of Thursday, June 8, we have six fire appliances in attendance, specialist resources including a helicopter helping to waterbomb the area.”
The Fintry fire comes in the wake of a warning over the increased potential for wildfires as summer temperatures soar –with a fire near the Devil’s Pulpit six weeks ago forcing the nearby A809 road to be closed.
Residents have been urged to refrain from lighting fires and use disposable barbecues only in designated areas.
Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed said: “Across Scotland, we’ve seen some of the worst wildfires recorded in recent weeks, with large areas of hillside and some important nature reserves taking extensive damage.
“I urge constituents to refrain from lighting fires and to stick to designated areas if using disposable barbecues.
“These fires can quickly spread, we’ve seen one still burning after two weeks, and the devastating impact it has on our natural environment. These can of course be extremely dangerous for those living in these areas whether it be from the fire itself or the smoke.
“With very little rain forecast in the coming weeks, I urge everyone to exercise extreme caution when enjoying the outdoors.”
Meanwhile, a leading SFRS chief has urged visitors to some rural areas to be aware of the dangers of wildfires and the environmental and economic damage they bring.
Station Commander John Harvey said: “We urge everyone to make sure that they don’t increase the chance of wildfire. That means being aware of the risks and following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
“Wild and grass fires can start by the careless disposal of cigarettes and barbecues or campfires left unattended. They then have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land, wildlife and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.”
