Brave firefighters praised in 'close call' wildfire near Inverness
A wildfire which came close to people's homes south of Inverness was a "close call", according to an eyewitness.
Inverness South councillor Duncan Macpherson watched the drama as flames spread across a wide area at Daviot East after the blaze took hold on Saturday afternoon.
At the fire's peak, some residents were evacuated from their homes and although they returned later were advised to keep their windows and doors shut to avoid potential smoke in the area.
Some homes and businesses were left without power and preparations were made for the possible evacuation of residents at Daviot Care Home but ultimately they were not put into action.
At its height, six fire appliances and specialist resources were involved to bring the blaze under control. Today, two fire appliances and a water bowser remain at the scene.
It came as firefighters have been tackling a wildfire over recent weeks at Cannich.
Cllr Macpherson joined Daviot residents in paying tribute to the full-time and retained firefighters.
"They prevented a wildfire from becoming much worse," he said.
"They all worked tirelessly and I want to thank them for their sterling efforts.
"Due to their bravery, they were able to bring the fire under control. It was a close call."
Smoke could be seen and smelt for miles as the flames swept across a wide area between the A9 and the B9154.
Cllr Macpherson, who watched from a vantage point on the opposite side of the valley late on Saturday night, could hear trees falling.
"Every time the flames came to a little patch of trees it was like an incendiary device," he said.
"It was like an accelerant because of the sap in the conifer trees, it immediately took light – it was providing more fuel to the fire."
He also recalled the heavy pungent smell of burnt wood or paper hanging in the air when he drove back home.
He urged people to be extra cautious in preventing fires during the current hot weather.
It was business as usual today at the Auchnahillin Holiday Park where power was out for a time at the height of the blaze while some of the tent campers were moved to a different part of the site due to the amount of smoke.
Owner Anita Gibson praised the firefighters.
"They did an excellent job and the heavy rain also helped," she said.
"The situation is now over."
Theresa Kemp, who lives close to the scene of the fire, posted her gratitude to fire crews, contractors, farmers and residents on social media.
"I didn't realise the extent of the damage until today or how close to our house the fire actually got, was within about 50m of the fence line so we have been extremely lucky," she said.
One crew from Drumnadrochit remain at the scene of the wildfire near Cannich after keeping a watching brief overnight.
