Firefighters control a blaze near Clydebank
The Scotsman
2020-04-21
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Firefighters are still at the scene of a large wildfire near Clydebank.
More than 30 firefighters in six appliances as well as a helicopter are currently at the site.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was first alerted to the blaze at 6.41pm on Monday, with reports of a wildfire near Cochno Road, West Dunbartonshire.
The service had to leave the site overnight as it became too dangerous, and returned at 6am on Tuesday.
Firefighters have worked throughout the day to contain and extinguish the fire.
There are no reported casualties.
John Miller, deputy assistant chief officer for the west of Scotland, said: "The conditions, windy weather and the terrain mean that this is a challenging incident for our firefighters and partners.
"However, crews continue working to contain and extinguish the fire, and they must be commended for their efforts.
"Additionally, the continued support of our partners, including the support of Police Scotland's helicopter for intelligence and a second helicopter to water bomb, has been invaluable. Our sincere thanks go to them also."
The Kilpatrick Hills wildfire is just one of such incidents that has required significant SFRS attendance in recent days, with several large blazes breaking out across Scotland in the Highland area, Dumfries and Galloway, and Stirling.
SFRS has warned that the dry weather and windy conditions have contributed to the aggressive spread of fires in all incidents.
A warning that Scotland is at "extreme" risk of wildfire remains in place as several more days of dry and windy weather are forecast.
Mr Miller continued: "We would encourage everyone to adhere to the stay at home guidance wherever possible during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, but if you must travel, please take care in the countryside.
"These types of fires can be started deliberately, or through careless disposal of things such as cigarettes - but the results are equally devastating to wildlife, the environment and communities.
"Additionally, these fires are a completely avoidable draw upon our resources at this difficult time."
More than 30 firefighters in six appliances as well as a helicopter are currently at the site.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was first alerted to the blaze at 6.41pm on Monday, with reports of a wildfire near Cochno Road, West Dunbartonshire.
The service had to leave the site overnight as it became too dangerous, and returned at 6am on Tuesday.
Firefighters have worked throughout the day to contain and extinguish the fire.
There are no reported casualties.
John Miller, deputy assistant chief officer for the west of Scotland, said: "The conditions, windy weather and the terrain mean that this is a challenging incident for our firefighters and partners.
"However, crews continue working to contain and extinguish the fire, and they must be commended for their efforts.
"Additionally, the continued support of our partners, including the support of Police Scotland's helicopter for intelligence and a second helicopter to water bomb, has been invaluable. Our sincere thanks go to them also."
The Kilpatrick Hills wildfire is just one of such incidents that has required significant SFRS attendance in recent days, with several large blazes breaking out across Scotland in the Highland area, Dumfries and Galloway, and Stirling.
SFRS has warned that the dry weather and windy conditions have contributed to the aggressive spread of fires in all incidents.
A warning that Scotland is at "extreme" risk of wildfire remains in place as several more days of dry and windy weather are forecast.
Mr Miller continued: "We would encourage everyone to adhere to the stay at home guidance wherever possible during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, but if you must travel, please take care in the countryside.
"These types of fires can be started deliberately, or through careless disposal of things such as cigarettes - but the results are equally devastating to wildlife, the environment and communities.
"Additionally, these fires are a completely avoidable draw upon our resources at this difficult time."
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