Gorse fire breaks out as 'extreme' wildfire warning issued for Scotland
Kenneth StrathdeeA large gorse fire has broken out in Aberdeenshire just as experts issued an extreme wildfire warning for the whole of Scotland.
Four fire engines and a specialist unit were sent to the fields behind the B9031 near Rosehearty at 17:20 where the blaze broke out on open land near houses.
Social media footage showed orange flames spreading across the grassy land with plumes of black smoke billowing into the air.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said local residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the smoke and people should stay away from the area.
A spokesperson for SFRS said: "Crews are currently at the scene of a fire in the open near residential properties in Cairnhill Road, Rosehearty in Fraserburgh.
"Four fire appliances are currently at the incident."
On Thursday the whole of Scotland will fall under a warning for extreme risk of wildfires, with temperatures expected to exceed 21C.
The warning, issued by SFRS and the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF), will remain in place until Friday.
Those in south-west Scotland have also been warned of a "very high risk" of wildfire on Wednesday.
People in southern Scotland and the central Highlands have been warned of the "very high risk" of wildfire on Saturday.
Kenny Barbour, head of prevention at the SFRS and chair of the SWF, urged Scots to be responsible during hot and sunny days.
The deputy assistant chief officer said: "Going into the May bank holiday weekend, we will be seeing an extreme risk of wildfire across the whole of Scotland.
"We know people will be wanting to enjoy the good weather, but we ask they do so responsibly.
"People should avoid lighting outdoor fires and be mindful that one spark can spread, causing a large amount of damage. Remember, there's no such thing as a harmless fire."
