Latest news with #ScottishFireandRescueservice
Daily Record
23-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Extended patrols ensure Loch Ken is wildfire free during hot weather
Loch Ken Trust's ranger service and volunteers made sure the beauty spot was safe when an extreme wild fire risk was issued earlier this month. Extended patrols ensured Loch Ken was free from wildfires during the recent hot weather. Loch Ken Trust's ranger service and volunteers made sure the beauty spot was safe when an extreme wild fire risk was issued earlier this month. The Scottish Fire and Rescue service had asked people to avoid barbecues and campfires, as avoiding using naked flames can help reduce the risk of wildfires. And those on patrol were delighted to see many people out enjoying the outdoors responsibly – with no fire found around Loch Ken. The trust recently began joint patrols with Police Scotland in a bid to tackle irresponsible behaviour. Feedback has been very positive, and these joint patrols will continue. Head ranger, Leanne Pumpr, said: 'I enjoyed meeting with so many visitors and locals over the weekend who were having a great time in the outdoors, acting responsibly and leaving no trace.' Many bags of litter were collected over the weekend, but the majority of users acted responsibly around Loch Ken. 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. Thanks goes to the Loch Ken Trust ranger volunteers for helping with patrols and water safety advice during the good weather. A huge thank you goes to the Loch Ken Trust Ranger volunteers for assisting with patrols and water safety advice during the spell of great weather.
Daily Record
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Wildfire breaks out in Lanarkshire as smoke drifts for miles due to high winds
Nearby towns are at risk of smoke with high winds in the area on Sunday night amid a warning from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Dozens of firefighters are currently battling a significant wildfire, with the public warned to keep windows and doors closed if they can see the smoke. Huge billows of smoke were pictured miles away from the blaze in Shotts, North Lanarkshire, with nearby towns suffering as it drifts due to high winds. Emergency services were alerted to the blaze at approximately 4.09pm on Sunday, May 18. Six fire appliances and around 30 firefighters have been deployed to the scene to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to take precautions as thick smoke continues to drift across the village. And due to smoke also spreading towards nearby towns - including Motherwell, Wishaw and Newmains - authorities are advising residents in affected areas to keep their doors and windows closed as a safety measure. Efforts to bring the wildfire under control are ongoing, with fire crews working under challenging conditions exacerbated by the dry and gusty weather. It comes after the Scottish Fire and Rescue service put an "extreme risk" of wildfires in place across Scotland between May 15 and May 19. Fire chiefs warned the vast majority of wildfires are started by human behaviour and are urging communities to avoid lighting fires and using naked flames while this warning is in place. 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. In recent days, there have also been wildfires in Newtonhill, Aberdeenshire and near Cumnock in Ayrshire. Remote and rural communities, in particular, are impacted by wildfire. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "Around 30 firefighters are currently tackling a wildfire in Shotts, North Lanarkshire. Smoke is travelling across the village and residents are asked to keep doors and windows closed. "Due to high winds, smoke is drifting towards nearby towns of Motherwell, Wishaw and Newmains. If smoke is visible, please keep your windows and doors closed. "We were alerted to the fire at 4.09pm today [Sunday 18 May], with six fire appliances and officers in attendance."
