Investigation launched after wildfires ravaged area size of 10,500 football pitches

STV News

13 hours ago

A joint investigation has been launched after wildfires in the Highlands and Moray ravaged an area the size of 10,500 football pitches.
Firefighters worked overnight to extinguish wildfires at Tombain Farm in Forres and at Loch Allan on Wednesday morning.
It emerged on Tuesday that the size of the area damaged by the wildfires, which broke out on Saturday, is around 7,500 hectares – equivalent to 10,500 football pitches.
Thousands of animals have been killed in the fires, and pockets of peat remain burning as fire crews from Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Highlands continue work to control the flames. RSPBScotland RSPB Scotland has been supporting the Fire Service in tackling wildfires near Dava and Carrbridge.
Specialist equipment such as all-terrain vehicles, fogging units, beaters, and leaf blowers have been used while SFRS wildfire tactical advisors have coordinated the response.
Several road closures remain in place, and members of the public have been urged to avoid travelling to the areas impacted.
Locals have also been urged to keep windows and doors closed if smoke is still visible in affected areas.
On Wednesday afternoon, Police Scotland said a joint investigation is under way with SFRS to establish the full circumstances. STV News Firefighters have worked through their fourth consecutive night to tackle wildfires across the Highlands and Moray which broke out on Saturday.
Chief inspector Mike MacKenzie, local area commander, said: 'Fortunately no one has been injured but a large swathe of the countryside has been badly affected. I would like to thank all the emergency services and the public involved.'Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and this includes the area around Lochindorb between Carrbridge and Dava and the area around Loch Allan near Dava.
'We are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any information that could assist with the investigation to get in touch.
'Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2281 of Saturday, June 28, 2025, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
SFRS Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: 'One fire appliance remains in Dava, near Grantown-on-Spey, as a precaution following wildfires which affected areas of the Highlands and Moray from Saturday, June 28.
'This incident has been challenging and saw a significant deployment of resources to the area, including on-call and whole-time crews from Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland who worked 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.
'A joint investigation alongside our colleagues from Police Scotland is now under way.'
Former SNP-turned-Independent MSP Fergus Ewing attacked the Scottish Government following the outbreak of wildfires, criticising the lack of available helicopters to tackle the flames over the weekend.
He told STV News: 'There were serious failings. There were no helicopters available on Sunday at all, and fire appliances can't get to moorland.
'Helicopters are the rural fire engines. Imagine if there were a fire in the Central Belt and there were no fire engines. That surely was wrong.'
He also blasted the Scottish Government for failing to convene to activate its emergency committee. @stvnews
Former SNP-turned-Independent MSP Fergus Ewing has attacked the Scottish Government following the outbreak of wildfires, criticising the lack of available helicopters to tackle the flames over the weekend. He told STV News: 'There were serious failings. There was no helicopters available on Sunday at all, and fire appliances can't get to moorland. 'Helicopters are the rural fire engines. Imagine if there was a fire in the Central Belt and there were no fire engines. That surely was wrong.' news shorts fire firefighter wildfire ♬ original sound – STV News – STV News
A Scottish Government spokesperson responded: 'We understand the concerns about wildfires and we are in close contact with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other responders as we continue to carefully monitor the situation.
'SFRS is fully prepared to deal with outbreaks, and we are grateful to them and other first responders for their ongoing efforts to keep people and property safe.
'Although SFRS has not declared a major incident and no requests for mutual aid were made at this afternoon's resilience partnership meeting, we stand ready to provide support as required.'
Local gamekeeper Calum Kippen said at one point, workers had to 'flee for their lives' as sudden weather changes directed the fire into their path.
He said: 'There were a number of gamekeepers who had been trying to carry out a tactical backburn. At that point, the wind changed, and the main fire headed towards them.
'It was over a mile away and they reckon it advanced towards them probably in less than ten minutes, that they had to flee for their lives.'
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in Scotland and land and estates workers have been aiding firefighters in tackling the blazes.
'We have been supporting (SFRS) with fire-fighting equipment including an argo vehicle and fogging unit, backpack blowers and pumps and staff from our Abernethy nature reserve have been helping to try and get the situation under control,' an RSPB Scotland spokesperson said.
'The impacts of the fires on people and wildlife will become clear in the coming weeks but right now we hope that the local communities affected and everyone working at the scene stays safe.'
SFRS added that it was aware of welfare supply donations to local stations from members of the public, and while grateful, is unable to accept any more items. Monetary donations also cannot be accepted.
The public has also been reminded to be mindful of the risk of wildfires and to prevent them from starting in the first place.
Fires, stoves, and BBQs should not be lit outdoors during dry periods, and litter should not be dropped, alongside cigarettes.
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country