A wildfire in Galloway, in southwest Scotland, has prompted widespread evacuations as the blaze continues to spread through large forested areas. Emergency services have been battling the flames since Friday night, with helicopters and ground crews working to contain the fire.
Rising temperatures have heightened the risks of wildfires across the UK, prompting warnings from fire authorities. The fire, which started around 23:50 on Friday near Glen Trool, has already moved into the nearby Bennan and Lamachan Hills.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is still on the scene, and the situation remains critical, with ongoing aerial efforts to control the flames. Local authorities have urged people to avoid the area and take precautions, as the risk of further spread remains high.
Wildfire Threatens Nearby Communities
According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the fire has now expanded to cover a substantial area, with reports indicating that the front of the fire stretched two to three miles wide at its peak.
The fire’s movement is largely dictated by wind direction, with authorities particularly concerned about the potential for flames to spread to the Loch Doon area of East Ayrshire. Police have been working to keep people safe, issuing warnings and advising residents in affected areas, including near Loch Doon, to keep windows and doors shut.
In total, five groups of walkers were safely escorted off the hills on Friday night, as they were in proximity to the fire. Rescue teams are now focusing on monitoring the situation, including using helicopters to assess damage and direct firefighting efforts.
According to Stewart Gibson, team leader at Galloway Mountain Rescue, at one point, four helicopters were deployed to drop water on the flames.
Heightened Fire Risks Across the UK
The Galloway wildfire is part of a larger trend, with the UK experiencing a marked increase in wildfires as temperatures rise. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued an “extreme” wildfire warning, urging the public to refrain from lighting any outdoor fires due to the dry conditions.
Fire authorities have highlighted that the volume of dry, dead vegetation across large parts of the countryside significantly contributes to the risk.
As Scotland battles these blazes, other parts of the UK, including England and Northern Ireland, are also on high alert. An amber wildfire warning is in place across parts of England, southern Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service is tackling a significant gorse fire in the Mourne Mountains, where police suspect the fire may have been deliberately started. As the weather continues to remain dry and warm, the threat of further wildfires remains a significant concern for authorities across the region.
