Scottish Fire and Rescue Service warns of 'extreme' wildfire risk in many parts of the Highlands

AN EXTREME wildfire risk exits in the Highlands into Tuesday, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has warned.

Firefighters raised the alarm amid a wider "very high" risk for the whole of Scotland.

"Very high" and "extreme" risks are in place for parts of Caithness, Sutherland, Ross-shire, Inverness-shire, Nairn-shire, Badenoch, Strathspey and the Cairngorms National park.

Area Commander Bruce Farquharson, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's Wildfire Lead, said: "We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.

"Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.

"Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires - as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.

"These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere."

Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments, and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code."

Related news: Forestry and Land Scotland urges Highland residents to do their bit to prevent wildfires

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