More wildfires the reality of climate change say SNP
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Richard Lochhead, Moray’s SNP MSP, held a public meeting at the Houldsworth Institute in Dallas last night in regards to wildfires.
Mr Lochhead was joined by Bruce Farquharson from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Moray police Area Commander Norman Stevenson and his colleague Inspector Kelly McPhail, and Denise Reid the Area Manager from SNH.
The group outlined issues and took questions from the public on recent wildfires, which have taken place in Dunphail, near Forres, and near Speyside. Bruce Farquharson said ten wildfire specialists will be trained across Scotland.
The fire at Speyside burned for five days and three helicopters were called out to deal with the blaze.
Speaking after the meeting Mr Lochhead said: "The meeting was well attended and the community thanked emergency services, estate staff, gamekeepers, forestry staff and volunteers for their efforts in tackling recent wildfires.
"A big part of the discussion was the fact we should expect more wildfires locally because of the changing climate and the long dry summers we are set to have.
"The authorities were able to re-assure the public there is currently a major ‘lessons learned’ exercise under way, which will look at the response to recent wildfires and how they can ensure they are better prepared for wildfires in the future.
"It was really important the authorities were able to hear directly from the public and those who live in the areas affected. There is still a lot of work to be done and issues to be looked at however I feel this was a good starting point."
Moray Conservative MP Douglas Ross visited the scene of a wildfire recently. Before the meeting took place he said: "Seeing the extent of the damage from the wildfire at first hand reinforced my understanding of the difficult job faced by firefighters, estate workers and volunteers who all came together to bring the wildfires under control.
"I am re-doubling my efforts to get answers to questions that constituents have raised with me following the wildfire.
"We also need re-assurances that everything possible is being done to prevent a reoccurrence of these fires and to ensure that we have all the necessary resources available in Moray, should they be needed again in future."
SNP Councillor and Chair of Police and Fire and Rescue Services Committee, Paula Coy added: "With climate change a reality it is clear that these fires may well become more commonplace and it’s good to see communities work together with the emergency services and other agencies.
"It was particularly good to hear our MSP praise our retained fire-fighters who had to take considerable time away from their other jobs. It’s a real commitment for them and their employers and we are all so grateful."
