Moray and Highland wildfires - Praise for crews as one fire appliance remains on scene
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has praised crew members for their support in containing a blaze, which persisted for four days.
One fire appliance remains stationed in Dava, following wildfires that swept across the Highlands and Moray beginning Saturday, officials have confirmed.
Reports of a fire on the A939 near Dava were first received by the emergency services at around 4.05pm on Saturday, June 28.
Within hours, Police Scotland confirmed the closure of surrounding roads as the blaze continued to spread- worsened by high winds.
Crews continued to fight the blaze on Saturday, June 29, which had now spread to around six miles along the moorland.
At 2pm on Sunday, June 29, another two wildfires were reported in Alves and Dallas, Moray.
Crews rushed to the scene, while countless firefighters remained at the larger blaze on the Dava.
Volunteers with ATVs or fogging units, tractors with flails or water tanks were also called in to come support the efforts of firefighters.
Road closures remained in force until Monday, June 30, blocking off a number of important south-bound links for Moray and the Highlands.
While the blaze has now been largely contained, officials confirm that precautionary measures are still being taken.
The 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 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.
“A joint investigation alongside our colleagues from Police Scotland is now underway.”
SFRS have also advised that residents in surrounding areas should keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering.
