The danger from wildfires “can not be underestimated”, John Swinney has said as he urged people to “be vigilant” when outdoors. The First Minister spoke out ahead of a visit to the Cairngorms National Park – where fire crews have been dealing with a wildfire that started last week.
In addition to that, another wildfire is burning at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, with Mr Swinney saying the two incidents show the “devastating impact wildfires can have on landscapes, properties and people’s lives”.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s visit, where he will thank firefighters who have been tackling the blaze, the First Minister made clear that the “dangers cannot be underestimated” from such incidents.
Mr Swinney said: “I am urging everyone to keep vigilant when they are outdoors and check if the area they are visiting is at risk of wildfires before igniting any flames.
View 3 Images(Image: Getty Images)
“Even in areas where there is no alert, people should be very aware of the need to light and extinguish fires and flames responsibly and discard all waste properly, including glass bottles which can easily start grass fires.”
He said that Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews, Police Scotland, land managers, volunteers and other organisations “have been absolutely outstanding tackling this substantial fire” in the Cairngorms.
“I want to thank them for keeping people, properties and our natural environment safe,” the First Minister added.
Helicopters have been “waterbombing” the area as part of efforts to tackle the blaze, with fire appliances, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and a wildfire support unit also involved in the operation in the Cairngorms.
View 3 ImagesThe wildfire burning in the Cairngorms National Park(Image: RSPB Scotland/PA Wire)
Mr Swinney said the Scottish Government would continue to work with the SFRS and others “to ensure they are appropriately resourced” including with specialist wildfire units, and helicopter support where needed.
The First Minister also stressed: “People in affected areas should follow the advice of emergency services, avoid active fire locations and exclusion zones and stay updated with guidance from the SFRS and local authorities.”
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