Services urge public to stay clear of Moray wildfire
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MORE than 60 firefighters remain in attendance at a large wildfire in Moray.
Members of the public are being asked to avoid the area due to smoke, road closures and to allow access for emergency services.
The blaze took hold near Paul's Hill wind farm, near Knockando, on Monday and crews from across Moray and the wider area have since been working around-the-clock to tackle the blaze.
It has spread around 20 miles and a number of homes to the west have since been evacuated. Concern remains for livestock in the area.
MSP Richard Lochhead paid tribute to the firefighters and volunteers working to control the blaze and called for a better understanding on the impact wildfires can have.
Mr Lochhead said: "We have seen an increasing number of wildfires taking hold in Moray which is a real concern given the impact on our local landscapes, wildlife and habitats, as well as being a threat to local infrastructure. Clearly the unusually hot and very dry weather does mean an increase in the risk of wildfires, but I’m keen to get a better understanding of the factors involved in these recent events, and I’ve asked the Fire and Rescue Service for a report on trends locally and nationally."
Today MP Douglas Ross raised the issue in Parliament, where he praised crews for their work.
Mr Ross said: "This fire took hold in tinder-box like conditions and up to 50 fire-fighters have been working flat out for the past 48 hours and are now taking it in turn to do six hour shifts as they attempt to extinguish this blaze. It is only due to the skill and dedication of our fire crews and the other emergency services that the situation is under control.
"Following briefings I’ve had from the police and the fire service over the last couple of days I wanted to reiterate their message to deter people from going to the area to have a look for themselves.
"Given the roads in this part of Moray, an influx of people looking at the fires can hamper the efforts of the emergency crews getting the job done."
