Firefighters spend fourth day tackling wildfires
They have used specialist equipment including all-terrain vehicles, fogging units, leaf blowers and beaters on the ground, with SFRS wildfire tactical advisers co-ordinating the response.
SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Ross Robison said: 'The vast scale of these fires has been challenging for our crews over the past four days, particularly because of the strong winds that have caused the fires and smoke to spread further across the landscape.
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'There has been a significant deployment of resources to the area, including on call and whole-time crews from Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland who have been working effectively alongside landowners and partner agencies.
'I'd like to recognise the efforts of all firefighters who attended and particularly those who are on call and often combine this role with other jobs in the community.
'They continue to be invaluable in responding to incidents like these that impact hugely on rural areas.
'We've been supported by the use of helicopters provided by partners for water bombardment and we have deployed specialist wildfire teams and assets.'
Several roads have been closed while emergency services deal with the wildfires.
People living and working in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed if smoke is visible.
Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), which represents rural businesses, highlighted the role gamekeepers have played in helping to tackle the fires.
It called on the Scottish Government to urgently prioritise investment in wildfire prevention and response through measures including better resourcing of SFRS and more training for firefighters.
While the situation has improved following rainfall, land managers and gamekeepers remain concerned about persistent smouldering, particularly in areas of deep peat, and will continue to monitor the situation closely over the coming days.
Ross Ewing, director of moorland at SLE, said: 'The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service played a vital role in this incident, particularly in command, control and co-ordination, but the reality is that the majority of the hands-on firefighting was undertaken by gamekeepers – using their own equipment, experience and local knowledge.
'Without that rapid response from the land management community, the situation could have been far worse – and concerns remain that flare-ups could yet occur.
'Their efforts were exceptional, but we cannot rely on goodwill and geography to deliver a credible wildfire response.
'In this case, private investment by landowners in their employees and specialist equipment averted a catastrophe. Ministers must recognise this when future spending decisions are made.
'Real weaknesses in our national resilience to wildfire have been laid bare in this incident.'
The Scottish Government and SFRS have been asked for comment.
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