Latest news with #KennyBarbour
Daily Record
a day ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
Police probe launched after wildfires ravage land across north of Scotland
Cops are investigating to try and find out how the devastating wildfires started. Police and the fire service have launched a joint investigation after a series of wildfires burned for several days in parts of northern Scotland. Fire crews spent five days dealing with the blazes across several locations, with the area described as being on a 'vast scale'. The affected areas include Carrbridge, Grantown-on-Spey, Dava and Upper Knockando. The wildfires have mostly been extinguished as of Wednesday evening, though one fire engine remains at Grantown-on-Spey as a precaution. Firefighters used specialist equipment including all-terrain vehicles, fogging units, leaf blowers and beaters to bring the flames under control. Police said they were trying to establish the circumstances around an area in the Highlands. 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.' The fire service said residents living nearby should keep doors and windows closed. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 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 wholetime 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.'
STV News
a day ago
- Climate
- STV News
Investigation launched after wildfires ravaged area size of 10,500 football pitches
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
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Edinburgh firefighters battle Pentlands blaze for hours amid wildfire warning
Smoke billowing from the Pentlands in Edinburgh yesterday was from a wildfire covering a "wide area", the fire service has confirmed. Edinburgh Live broke the news when reports came in of a huge blaze on the Pentland Hills. Smoke was spotted rising from the hill around 7pm on April 10 as horrified locals watched on from their homes. READ MORE: Huge Edinburgh emergency response scrambled to 'incident' on busy road READ MORE: Edinburgh academic warns Scotland's wildfire problem could 'approach major cities' Images taken from afar showed orange flames coming from a large section of the park. Smoke could be seen billowing into the sky. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has since confirmed that the fire was not a controlled burn and was due to a fire covering a "wide area" of the Pentlands near Currie and Torphine. Crews arrived to find gorse alight over a large area. The first call was made at 6.45pm and one appliance was mobilised to the scene. However, after a "large volume" of calls flooded the service, three more appliances were dispatched throughout the course of the night. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly three hours with the last appliances leaving the scene around 9.23pm. It comes after an 'extreme' warning for wildfires was issued on Thursday, April 10 for parts of Scotland. The warning is in effect until Friday, April 11. Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour is Head of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness at SFRS. He said: "Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and they spread through vast areas of land in our countryside, which is devastating for those who live nearby. "Our firefighters will continue to work with local landowners and other partners to bring these fires under control. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire, and so we are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame. "Responsible human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code." A spokesperson from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "We can confirm this was a fire and not a controlled burn in the Pentland Hills located in the north aspect of the region. The fire covered a wide area near Currie and Torphine. "We received a large volume of calls regarding the incident, with the first call coming in at 6.45pm. We initially mobilised one appliance but due to repeat calls we mobilised two additional appliance, eventually sending four in total to attend the scene. "We left the scene at approximately 9.23pm. The fire appeared to be gorse alight. No casualties were reported.
BBC News
10-04-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Scotland set for hottest day of the year so far
Scotland is expecting its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 22C in some places. Wildfire warnings have been issued at the highest level after the long dry spell with people enjoying the sun urged to be extremely areas in the north east are predicted to see some of the highest temperatures, before damper weather returns to Scotland at the weekend. Recent analysis suggests that spring is the fastest-warming season in the United Kingdom, largely down to climate change. The average spring temperature in the UK has increased by 1.8C since dry spell has been caused by the jet stream - a river of fast flowing air high up in the atmosphere - which has recently been flowing far to the north of has led to something called an Omega blocking pattern - where a high pressure system becomes stuck over the UK, keeping out the cloud and rain. Sunny and dry conditions have continued into April with many areas hitting temperatures in the high teens or even the low 20s. The highest temperature so far this year in Scotland was 20.9C recorded at Tyndrum on 8 said that was likely to be surpassed, particularly in inland Aberdeenshire. Aboyne was seeing some of the fastest climbing temperatures on Thursday - rising from a frosty minus 3.2C overnight to 14.6C by mid-morning. After a dry March which only delivered 64% of the normal rainfall for the month, firefighters have warned of very dry dead vegetation providing ample fuel for fires. A number of serious wildfires have broken out including one in Dumfries and Galloway where campers had to be evacuated by the emergency services. A "very high" risk of wildfires warning has been force for a week - but the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has upgraded this to "extreme" in the southwest, eastern, central, and north of Scotland for Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: "Wildfires have the potential to burn for days, as we've seen this week in Dumfries and Galloway, and they spread through vast areas of land in our countryside, which is devastating for those who live nearby." He said the public was being asked to "exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame".Firefighters were called to about 90 outdoor fires over the weekend including large fires in the Galloway Forest Park and Inverpolly Forest in the Highlands.A large fire on a hillside in Inverclyde led to a smoke over Greenock and the Clyde, prompting ships to sound their foghorns. Another large grass fire was extinguished on Skye in the early hours of Wednesday morning. End of the dry spell BBC Scotland weather forecaster Kirsteen MacDonald said the high pressure area that prompted the warm, settled conditions was gradually sinking southwards. She said temperatures would reach the high teens in many areas, with inland Aberdeenshire likely to see the warmest weather, at around 22C. By the end of Friday some rain is forecast to reach the far north of the country. For most places it will be Saturday night before wetter weather returns and Sunday will see a marked drop in temperatures, heralding a period of more unsettled weather in the week to come. While the cooler temperatures may come as a shock to some after the recent warm spell, they will actually be close to the seasonal average.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Clyde ships use foghorns due to wildfire smoke
A huge smoke haze from a wildfire prompted ships on the River Clyde to sound their foghorns on Monday. Fumes from the blaze near Inverkip in Inverclyde drifted over Greenock, with social media reports saying ships issued warning blasts due to low visibility. A spokesperson for Peel Ports Clydeport said there was no specific request for sound signals, but vessels are obligated under the International Collision regulations to operate their foghorns when in or near areas of restricted visibility. It comes as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) extended its "extreme" warning for wildfires across parts of Scotland until Thursday. Firefighters are currently tackling a wildfire which has broken out in the Glendale area of Skye. Crews from Dunvegan, Portree and Kyle of Lochalsh were called to the blaze shortly after 12:00 and are said to be making good progress with bringing it under control. Firefighters were called to about 90 outdoor fires over the weekend including large fires in the Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries and Galloway, and Inverpolly Forest in the Highlands. The fire service had initially put out an "extreme" warning across the whole country until Monday. But a "very high" warning has been extended for all of Scotland until Wednesday, with an "extreme" risk specifically in the southwest, eastern, central, and northern areas until Thursday. A large blaze emerged in the Glen Trool area of the Galloway Forest Park on Thursday and spread to Loch Doon in East Ayrshire. At its height, there were two fire engines at the scene assisted by two helicopters water-bombing the fire. The blaze was under control by Monday night and one fire crew remains on the scene to inspect the area and make sure it is safe. Firefighters tackle third hillside wildfire Evacuations as wildfire spreads north through forest Another grass fire broke out at Stac Pollaidh in Inverpolly Forest, north of Ullapool, and six fire appliances were called to extinguish it. Members of the public were urged to stay away due to heavy smoke in the area. It was put out by Monday night but one fire engine was on standby at the scene overnight. The warm and dry weather is expected to continue until the weekend, with temperatures reaching as high as 20C. People are urged to exercise caution in rural areas over the Easter holidays and avoid lighting outdoor fires. Kenny Barbour, deputy assistant chief officer from SFRS, said the recent fires were "devastating for those who live nearby". He added: "Our firefighters will continue to work with local landowners and other partners to bring these fires under control. "As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire, and so we are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame. "Responsible human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code." John McKenzie, Scottish secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said the recent fires were the "clearest evidence" of the need to invest more in staffing, equipment and training to prevent wildfires and protect firefighters and communities. He added: "However, over the last 12 years, over 1,250 firefighter posts have been lost and tens of millions of pounds have been cut from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service budget. "The Scottish government must provide urgently required additional funding to ensure that firefighters can tackle incidents such as wildfire effectively." But Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said this year's Scottish government Budget included £412.2m for the SFRS - an increase of £18.8m. She said: "This will enable SFRS to continue to deliver the high standard of services required to keep communities safe and ensures Scotland continues to have more firefighters per capita than other parts of the UK. "I am grateful to the dedicated firefighters and first responders who have been dealing with recent and ongoing wildfires. "We will continue to work with SFRS to support implementation of its three-year wildfire strategy, with the continued rollout this year of new equipment, vehicles and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)." Firefighters tackle large blaze on Aberdeen hill Firefighters warning as wildfires hit in dry weather
