Wildfire expected to spread to neighbouring local authority, police warn

A wildfire that started in Dumfries and Galloway is expected to spread to a neighbouring authority in the coming hours, emergency services have warned.

The fire, which broke out some time before 11.50pm on Friday at the Glen Trool part of Galloway Forest Park, near Newton Stewart and Loch Doon, is expected to spread into East Ayrshire by 12am on Sunday, Police Scotland said.

One appliance from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is in attendance while helicopters have also been deployed.

As a precautionary measure, members of the public are asked to avoid the Loch Doon area and anyone who may be camping in the area have been advised by police to leave.

Police Scotland said the blaze is also affecting the Merrick Hill, Ben Yellary and Loch Dee areas.

At around 10.30pm on Saturday, SFRS confirmed it is still present in the area.

A spokesperson said: “We still have one appliance in attendance.”

It comes as the fire service warned over an extreme risk of wildfires this week due to dry weather and sunshine.

A similar wildfire had been reported in the area on Thursday and covered some 1.5 miles.

Group Commander Garry Douglas, an SFRS tactical adviser, previously said: “During any period of heightened risk, fires can ignite easily, spread very quickly, and burn with high intensity.

“At this time of year in early spring, we typically have a large volume of dead, bone-dry vegetation across large areas of countryside. This essentially acts as a fuel for fire.

“There are currently vast areas that are tinder-dry and vulnerable, which provides all the ingredients for fire to take hold and spread.

“Human behaviour is the cause of most wildfires in Scotland, so it is imperative we all act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors, especially over the coming days of predicted sunshine.

“By following some simple but key advice, we can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire occurring.”