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Warning to forest visitors after 'devastating but preventable' Highland blaze





Flames rise up during the 'devastating' wildfire near Loch Morlich at the weekend. Picture: Forestry and Land Scotland
Flames rise up during the 'devastating' wildfire near Loch Morlich at the weekend. Picture: Forestry and Land Scotland

Forest visitors are being urged to follow good fire-prevention practice after a "devastating but preventable" blaze in the Highlands at the weekend.

Around seven hectares of forest – equal to around seven football pitches in size – suffered damaged in the wildfire near Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms National Park. It was attended by units from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) on Saturday afternoon and evening.

The area was declared safe on Sunday morning.

The cause remains unknown but Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) described it as preventable.

Maree Morrison, the FLS recreation ranger for the area, said: “A huge thanks to the crews from SFRS who attended on the day and stopped this fire from being much worse.

“Over recent weeks we have been working closely with the Cairngorms National Park Authority and SFRS to raise awareness of the 'very high fire risk' message by using social media, on-site signage and leaflets, all supplemented by additional on-site staff who are helping us to convey this and other key messages.

“The impact of wildfires can affect habitats and wildlife for months, years or even decades.

"It is imperative that visitors plan ahead and are aware of the potential safety precautions that they need to take, especially when conditions are so hot and dry."

Camp fires are not permitted across the Cairngorms National Park or at FLS sites. Portable gas stoves are recommended for barbecues and cooking food, with visitors advised to completely avoid all solid fuel.


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