 have put high wildfire warnings in place across many parts of Scotland this week.){kind=link}
THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have put high wildfire warnings in place across many parts of Scotland this week.
Those who live within or who may enter rural environments have been urged to exercise caution.
This comes amid reports of many irresponsibly lit fires across Edinburgh in recent weeks, in areas such as Ratho and Leith.
The “very high” warning has been in place in central and south-west Scotland since Monday, with an “extreme” warning coming in to cover all low-lying areas on Friday.
SFRS posted to social media earlier this week, saying: “A very high wildfire warning is in place across central and south-west Scotland.
“Moving to low-lying areas on Thursday and Central Highlands on Friday.
“An extreme wildfire warning will cover all low-lying areas in Scotland on Friday.”
SFRS wildfire tactical advisor, group commander Murray Dalgleish said: “We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.
“Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.
“Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.
“These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”
Ratho & District Community Council (RaDCC) have been developing projects to make it easier for residents to walk around the village, but are now raising awareness of trespassing on private land, after instances of rubbish fires on farmers’ fields have been reported.
A RaDCC member posted on social media yesterday, saying: “Hi friends.
“In the coming months the RaDCC will be able to tell you about the new projects coming along to make it easier to go for amazing walks around our village.
“In the meantime, we need your help. Scotland is blessed with laws that provide the right to responsible access for walking.
“However, this is not a right to do whatever you want on other people’s land.
“Particularly on farmers’ land and extremely important when there are crops growing.
“You do not know if the field is recently treated with something that could hurt your family or pets.
“You may harm the farmers’ income. So, stay on the paths. This is a picture of remains of a rubbish fire on actively growing fields.
“In the middle of a drought, there is high fire risks now. We are better than this.
“Please talk to your family about keeping our responsibilities so that we can enjoy Ratho together. Excellent information is found in the document below. Thanks all.”
A picture shows a burnt pallet filled with the charred remains of trees and rubbish, in the middle of a field overlooking the city.
A similar photo of burnt rubbish was shared last week, on the wooden pier by the swan-inhabited lake at Lochend Park.
One user replied saying: “This has been happening a lot in the park recently. I was driving home about 10:30 at night, a few weeks ago and they were burning bins just up from the entrance.
“Seems to be the ‘in’ thing to do in the park just now. No need.”
Another commented: “Is this Lochend Park? If yes, it’s been happening repeatedly over a number of days in different locations around the park.
“So angry, not sure what can be done.”
The committee member also said today: “The Ratho Ridges landscape area has been the subject of irresponsible fires in former years. March is often a very dry month here, and of course everyone, young and old is feeling the spring joy as the days and nights get brighter and warmer.
“I get why a bonfire feels like an excellent idea. But it is not allowed to set irresponsible fires. I don’t believe we solve this by isolating the problem to a few young people, we need to remind each other as communities that these are our villages and we need to respect nature, the active growing farmland as well as each other.
“As I said in the post, we can do better than destroying farmland and nature by setting uncontrolled trash fires. In fact, any potential fire risk items, including cigarette ends and matches should be kept safe and taken home to be disposed of safely.
“I hope we all can look after each other and get through the high fire risk period without further incidents.”