Fire crews praised by Melvich residents
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Residents of Melvich have praised firefighters for their efforts in battling the ongoing wildfire within the area.
For the past five days, smoke has covered the skyline as the fire across the moorland has raged.
Firefighters have been working day and night to try and bring it under control and, at the time of writing, the smoke is still bellowing out.
Crews from Thurso, Wick, Dunbeath, Kinlochbervie and Tongue are at the scene, and helicopter water-bombing has been carried out. Command support for the operation is coming from Inverness.
Local resident and artist Alex Patience described what she has experienced so far.
She said: "The fire service crews have been excellent in their efforts to control the fire and ensuring that residents of the village are safe.
"I'm on the village hall committee and we were all too willing to open up the hall and put on food and drink for the firefighters, given how long they've been working in dealing with the fire.
"On a personal level, you are very conscious of it. When you wake up, you immediately see the sky heavy with smoke.
"I've not considered evacuation as my cottage is close to the sea but I am concerned for those living closer to where the fire is taking place.
"With all the smoke in the atmosphere I can feel it affecting my voice. I sing with the Melvich Gaelic Choir and the other singers have said they've felt their voices being affected by the smoke as well.
"The firefighters do seem to be getting the fire under control, but we are hoping that the wind doesn't change direction before the fire is fully put out."
The workload of the fire crews has been on insane levels and they have been brilliant in dealing with the fire.
A member of the team at the Melvich Hotel said that although the fire has been a concern, it has not affected business.
The person said: "Some guests have been concerned.
"It is very upsetting to see the destruction that has been caused by the fire.
"The fire got a great deal closer to the village last night [Thursday] but firefighters worked through the night to make sure it didn't advance any further.
"The workload of the fire crews has been on insane levels and they have been brilliant in dealing with the fire.
"This morning saw things calming down a great deal thanks to their hard work. The weather is helping today as it's a lot cooler than it has been.
"As for hotel business, people are still coming, although the took longer to arrive the other day with the road diversions in place.
"The helicopter crew that has been working with the fire service have been staying here and I think that the other guests are reassured to see the helicopter itself nearby."
A B&B owner in the area affected from the fire said some of her guests had been “quite distressed” and unsure about staying overnight at Strathy Point.
Speaking today (Friday), Patsy Macaskill, who runs Sharvedda, explained that she had first became aware of the fire when she smelt the smoke while ironing in the house last Sunday. She said: “There was concern for ourselves – we were just encircled here with the smoke. Last night, just up behind our own house we could see a fresh fire. It was really quite alarming.”
She added: “I had guests due to book in yesterday, two couples. One of the couples were booked for two nights. They were quite distressed and did not want to stay because of the smoke.”
The couple were among the many caught up in thick smoke as they waited for a convoy system at the roadblock areas.
Mrs Macaskill said that the Swiss couple did decide to stay the night and in the morning everything was fine as the wind had changed direction, which enabled them to continue with their sightseeing plans in Caithness before returning to the Strathy Point B&B for their second night.
The B&B owner added: “We are in such a lovely area but with the smoke you could not see anything. It is frustrating for the visitors on holiday.”
Regarding the latest regarding the status of the fire, Alex McKinley of the Scottish Fire And Rescue Service said: "Four fire appliances remain in attendance [on Friday] as crews continue to tackle a large grass fire measuring around 5km in length at Melvich.
"Helicopter water-bombing has also taken place to control and contain the fire. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was first mobilised to the scene at 10.12pm on Sunday, May 12.
"We would like to remind the public to stay away from this area this time, and remind the local community to ensure windows are closed if smoke travels in the direction of their homes.
"Our firefighters will remain on scene for some time yet."
It is not known how this particular wildfire was caused, but generally dry, sunny conditions along with warm winds can contribute to one breaking out. Human carelessness, such as a discarded cigarette or a camp fire or a barbecue not being put out properly, can lead to a wildfire occurring.
