Cost of tackling wildfires revealed

Wildfires in the Highlands and Islands caused devastation.

THE direct financial cost of tackling wildfires in the Highlands and Islands is estimated to be more than £125,000.

This includes £5000 in destroyed equipment.

Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service responded to more than 70 significant wildfires - brought on by a period of very dry weather - between 29th April and 5th May.

However, chief fire officer Trevor Johnson said the extended cost was much more difficult to quantify as landowners had provided both staff and financed helicopters in some areas.

He also said there was an environmental impact, including damage to sites of conservation and special scientific interest, cultural and heritage costs and there had been an impact on business and tourism.

It is estaimed that 9100 hectares of vegetation, including 3200 hectares of forestry, was destroyed. This represents a potential loss of between £7.2 and £26.4 million based on the costs associated with reinstating moorland following fires in Yorkshire in 2003.

"The fires we have experienced presented a significant threat to firefighters who often had to work in very difficult terrain," explained Mr Johnson. "During the fires people's homes and a campsite had to be evacuated and as a precaution, on one occasion a helicopter had to evacuate people from a Munro due to the volume and density of smoke.

"To maintain firefighting operations over the period, almost 1800 firefighters had to be deployed, with, at some locations, considerable assistance being provided by landowners. The dedication of all personnel involved in these operations must be recognised.

"The effects of these wildfires is undoubtedly devastating to the rural environment and whilst I am aware that throughout the UK during this period, other fires raged out of control, I would doubt if any area was as severely affected as the Highlands.

"This period of activity I am sure will bring wildfire to the fore in the minds of rural landowners and I hope planning to more effectively fight future fires will be improved. I have already been working with lead agencies involved in land management to develop a network of wildfire groups which will bring the capability to co-ordinate mutual aid between landowners, bringing valued personnel and making specialist equipment available to tackle any large wildfire."

The new Scottish Government could be asked to help meet the bill after prime minister David Cameron announced central government funds would be made available towards additional fire-fighting costs south of the border.

Members of the public are asked to be extra vigilant not to start a wildfire, with barbecues, bonfires and carelessly discarded cigarettes a constant hazard.