Highland MSP urges more resources to deal with wildfire threat
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Highland MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has submitted a series of questions to the Scottish Government on wildfires, including how ministers are supporting fire crews and raising awareness of how the public can help prevent wildfires from starting.
On Friday, responding to the latest warning from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service about the increased risk of wildfires Mr Halcro Johnston said: “Rural communities across the Highlands and Islands are all too aware of the dangers of wildfires and the risk to life and property.
“Too many have frightening recent experiences of wildfires threatening local homes and businesses, often with little or no warning.”
Even the smallest spark could escalate into a significant and devastating fire, Mr Johnston (Scottish Conservative) warned, leaving the emergency services and local volunteers battling blazes in remote locations and difficult conditions, putting their own safety at risk.
“That is why it is so important that we heed the warnings of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and ensure that all efforts are made to prevent wildfires starting in the first place.
“That includes educating the public – particularly those visiting our local areas – of how they can play their part, including avoiding using barbecues, safely discarding cigarettes and avoiding littering. These may seem obvious but are clearly not obvious enough to everyone.
“And it is important that our fire crews, and others who play a role in battling wildfires, have the resources and the equipment they need to respond to incidents as quickly and safely as possible”.
