Members of the public are being asked to take extreme care during the current spell of warm, dry weather as brush fires continue in Moray.
Last night around six Scottish Fire and Rescue Service appliances were called out to a heath fire on the edge of Hopeman, the latest in a series of such incidents in recent weeks.
Local resident Steve Truluck reported the drama at the Moray village at around 10.30pm on Monday, saying: “There are currently six fire engines attending the heath fire on the edge of Hopeman but the fire service are doing a great job as ever and seem to have it under control.”
Last week fire crews were called to tackle a major grass fire in Moray when a two-mile long area of grassland was ablaze on the Glenrinnes Estate near Keith. Estate workers helped fire crews bring that under control.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “During dry periods large areas of heathland, grassland and forestry can become tinder dry and so is very susceptible to catching fire.
“These fires can start in a number of ways – it could be a carelessly discarded cigarette or smoking materials or a bonfire or barbecue being little by picnickers enjoying a day out in the warm weather.
“We always ask that people take greater care during periods such as this and if they come upon a fire then please contact us providing as much detail as possible.”