Wildfire 'could be biggest Scotland has seen' as scale of damage remains unknown
A huge wildfire that tore across the north of Scotland could be the biggest outdoor fire the country has ever seen, according to fire chiefs.
After spending five days putting the fires out, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief Officer Craig McGoldrick issued an update on Thursday thanking firefighters for their heroic efforts.
Firefighters used specialist equipment including all-terrain vehicles, fogging units, leaf blowers and beaters to bring the flames under control. Police said they were trying to establish the circumstances around an area in the Highlands.
ACO McGoldrick said: "I would like to recognise the tremendous efforts of our staff in dealing with an incredibly demanding period over recent days, in particular our response to large-scale wildfires across Highland, Moray and Aberdeenshire.
"Between Saturday June 28 and Wednesday July 2 operations control colleagues in Dundee handled a remarkable 583 emergency calls leading to 223 incidents attended.
"A significant portion of these were secondary fires highlighting the intensity of the situations that you faced.
"The fires that took hold from Carrbridge to Forres from Saturday could ultimately be one of the biggest outdoor fires Scotland has ever seen.
"We don't know the full damage of the scale yet but we do know that the vast size of these fires were extremely challenging.
"Overall it requires the deployment and movement of a significant volume of staff and appliances in and out of the area as relief crews stepped in to take over and others provided necessary standby cover."
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Fire crews spent five days dealing with the blazes across Carrbridge, Grantown-on-Spey, Dava and Upper Knockando, with the area impacted described as being on a 'vast scale'.
The wildfires were mostly extinguished as of July 2 and a joint probe with Police Scotland has now been launched to establish the cause of the blazes.
Chief Inspector Mike MacKenzie, local area commander, said: 'Fortunately no-one has been injured but a large swathe of the countryside has been badly affected. I would like to thank all the emergency services and the public involved.
'Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and this includes the area around Lochindorb between Carrbridge and Dava and the area around Loch Allan near Dava.
'We are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any information that could assist with the investigation to get in touch.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to make urgent change to 3 vegetables growing in July
As July is expected to bring more hot temperatures in the coming days, gardeners are being warned over the extra TLC their veggie plants need Gardeners growing three popular vegetables in their gardens have been urged to make some quick-thinking changes as more hot weather moves in. Experts at Gardeners' World have named the top vegetables: tomatoes, chillies and cucumbers. They have advised feeding them with high-potash tomato fertiliser every week to encourage healthy growth and fruiting, especially at a time when extreme heat can overwhelm such plants. July is a crucial month in the garden as it marks the peak of summer, when the weather is at its warmest and peak sunshine hours are at their prime. These three vegetables have one thing in common: they require nutrients to survive and thrive. Therefore, they can get an extra boost of plant food by using the right sources and a little effort. Using a high-potash tomato fertiliser can ensure that these vegetables receive their required nutrients to fully develop. Being high in potassium (potash) helps in water absorption, as well as creates more flavourful blooms, as explained by Plugh's Garden Village. Water absorption is especially important in the summer as the sun can cause droplets to evaporate before the fluid gets to the root, which can in turn cause scorching on leaves. Each plant is 80% water, so the right amount of nutrients is necessary for survival, especially during the warmest months when the sun soaks the moisture retained throughout the day. By following these simple instructions and keeping an eye out for these three vegetables, gardeners will ensure that their produce grows healthily and consistently throughout the summer months until autumn. When is best to water plants in summer? It's also good to note the time to water your plants, avoiding the peak hours when the sun is at its strongest. For best results, water your plants in the early morning or late evening. Doing so will ensure the moisture is well-retained in the soil before it evaporates. By adding high-potash tomato fertiliser to tomato, chillies and cucumbers plants, gardeners can expect delicious produce. If you are in need of more tips and tricks, we've got you covered. The Mirror has set up a WhatsApp group where all gardener gurus can receive the latest news. All you have to do is click on the link and 'Join Chat'. To leave the group, press 'Exit' group. If you're interested, you can read our Privacy Notice for more information.
Wales Online
19 hours ago
- Wales Online
BBC weather presenter says heatwave 'on the way' for Wales and there are three days that look absolutely scorching
BBC weather presenter says heatwave 'on the way' for Wales and there are three days that look absolutely scorching Wales is set to see another heatwave later this week Fine weather is expected in Wales throughout the week (Image: WalesOnline/ Rob Browne ) A heatwave is in store for Wales next week with highs of 30°C over the weekend, BBC's Derek Brockway has shared. The Welsh forecaster posted to his X followers: "Another heatwave on the way for parts of Wales and England." He shared the BBC weather outlook for Cardiff over the weekend, which shows sunshine expected on Friday, Saturday and Sunday - each with highs of 30°C. In response to excited followers, he added: "Not keen on heatwaves myself. Can't sleep at night! Should reach 26°C in Narberth end of the week." Fine weather is expected in Wales throughout the week, with some showers in places today giving way to "plenty of sunshine", the Met Office forecast for Monday states. For Tuesday in Wales the website reads: "Tuesday will be a fine day with lots of sunshine, though patchy cloud may turn this hazy across the west of the country. "Feeling pleasantly warm in gentle winds. Maximum temperature 21°C." The outlook for Wednesday to Friday for Wales reads: "Some cloud is expected on Wednesday and Thursday, though it should stay largely dry with sunshine at times, this perhaps more prevalent on Friday. Article continues below "Light winds, and becoming increasingly warm." The long range forecast for the whole of the UK between July 11 and July 20 states: "Many parts of the UK are expected to be part way through a period of high temperatures and humidity at the start of this period. "The duration, geographical extent and intensity of the heat are all rather uncertain at present, but there is the potential for some very hot weather to be realised, especially across some inland southern and eastern areas. "With this also comes the possibility of thunderstorms, in part because of the high temperatures, but also in association with any frontal systems moving in from the west, which would ultimately usher in cooler and fresher conditions. "Towards the latter part of the period, northwestern areas stand a greater chance of experiencing rather more changeable conditions, with drier and occasionally hotter spells more likely further southeast." Article continues below Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here .
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Nine children dead at Texas summer camp after flash flood kills 27
The destructive fast-moving waters along the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet (eight metres) in just 45 minutes before dawn Friday, washing away homes and vehicles. Rescuers were searching for children from a girls' camp and many others who were still missing after a wall of water rushed down a river in the Texas Hill Country during a powerful storm that killed at least 27 people, officials said. Among the dead were nine children. The destructive fast-moving waters along the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet (eight metres) in just 45 minutes before dawn Friday, washing away homes and vehicles. The danger was not over as more heavy rains were expected Saturday and flash flood warnings and watches remained in effect for parts of central Texas. unaccounted for. 'People need to know today will be a hard day,' said Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, Jr. Searchers used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue stranded people. The total number of missing was not known but one sheriff said about 24 of them were girls who had been attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the river. Frantic parents and families posted photos of missing loved ones and pleas for information. 'The camp was completely destroyed,' said Elinor Lester, 13, one of hundreds of campers at Camp Mystic. 'A helicopter landed and started taking people away. 'It was really scary.' A raging storm woke up her cabin just after midnight Friday, and when rescuers arrived, they tied a rope for the girls to hold as they walked across a bridge with floodwaters whipping around their legs, she said. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said 27 were confirmed dead, including nine children. Authorities said about 850 people had been rescued. The flooding in the middle of the night on the Fourth of July holiday caught many residents, campers and officials by surprise. The Texas Hill Country, which sits northwest of San Antonio, is a popular destination for camping and swimming, especially around the summertime holiday. AccuWeather said the private forecasting company and the National Weather Service sent warnings about potential flash flooding hours before the devastation. 'These warnings should have provided officials with ample time to evacuate camps such as Camp Mystic and get people to safety,' AccuWeather said in a statement that called the Texas Hill County one of the most flash-flood-prone areas of the US because of its terrain and many water crossings. Officials defended their actions on Friday while saying they had not expected such an intense downpour that was the equivalent of months' worth of rain for the area. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'It did not predict the amount of rain that we saw,' he said. A river near Camp Mystic recorded a 22 foot rise in about two hours, said Bob Fogarty, meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Austin/San Antonio office. The gauge failed after recording a level of 29 and a half feet. 'The water's moving so fast, you're not going to recognise how bad it is until it's on top of you,' Mr Fogarty said. US Coast Guard helicopters were flying in to assist.
