Wild fire warning
LANDOWNERS are being warned to make sure they follow the correct safety procedures when carrying out muir burning.
Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service (HIFRS) is asking them to ensure they carry out the burning in accordance with the muir burning code and that they have sufficient people to help control the fire at all times.
The service's area manager Billy Wilson said: "The weather is expected to be dry for the next few days, with winds gusting. The need to follow the code is therefore of paramount importance."
The warning comes following a hill fire at Acharacle, in Lochaber on Saturday which took several hours to get under control.
Four appliances and 22 firefighters attended the scene.
Around three square kilometres of land was on fire and several houses and other properties were under threat.
Mr Wilson added: "This fire was the largest of several that were ongoing during Sunday and stretched the resources of the fire service considerably. We are working with Northern constabulary to establish the cause of the Acharacle fire."
Copies of the code are available at: www.Scotland.Gov.Uk/publications/2008/04/08154231/0
