Latest news with #RossRobison
The Herald Scotland
01-07-2025
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
Firefighters spend fourth day tackling wildfires
Dozens of firefighters have been involved in tackling the blazes, which broke out on Saturday. 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. READ MORE: '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.
BBC News
01-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Firefighters tackle wildfires in Scotland
Emergency services are working to put out wildfires that have broken out in the north of Scotland. Firefighters have been dealing with fires for three days after they started near Carrbridge in the Highlands, with another starting near Forres in Moray. It's after the UK has experienced hot, dry weather, which makes vegetation more vulnerable to catching fire. Gamekeepers and land managers have been helping emergency services control the blaze, and residents near the area have been asked to keep doors and windows shut to avoid smoke. According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, firefighters are still working to tackle wildfires across Highland and Moray for the fourth day in a 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."If smoke is still visible, people living and working nearby have been advised to keep windows and doors closed and several roads have been closed in the affected areas. Why do wildfires start? Every year countries around the world are affected by wildfires, including here in the dry weather makes the vegetation drier, increasing the risk of setting alight. Most wildfires are started by humans. Something as simple as dropping litter could start one. The Fire Service has asked the public to remember not to light fires, stoves or BBQs when it's dry and don't leave litter behind or drop cigarettes.
