Nwicker60
04-Jun-12, 11:00
Firefighters tackling big outbreak at Canisbay
HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS Fire & Rescue Service have been dealing with a number of mildfire incidents over recent days, the largest of which occurred at Canisbay , a few miles west of John’O Groats .
The fire started just after 4.30pm on Sunday and grew in intensity during the afternoon, fanned by increasing winds. By late evening, the fire had spread to involve approx, 1.5 square kilometeres of, whins and heather . At one point, Northern Constabulary were asked to close a minor road in the area due to the amount of smoke, making visibility difficult.
As darkness fell, and the fire subsided, HIFRS scaled down its resources. It increased the number of appliances and personnel again at 4am approximately, anticipating that the fire would grow again, which it duly did. By 8 am on Monday morning, the fire had largely been extinguished, with firefighters dealing with s few hotspots.
Throughout the fire, the incident was attended by 6 appliances and 35 firefighters, from Wick, Thurso, Lybster, and John O’ Groats.
Whislt still dealing with the incident at Cannisbay, a second large wildfire occurred at approximately 7.15 am at Killimster, near Castletown, Wick. 4 appliances and 25 firefighters, from Dunbeath, Helmsdale, Lybster and Golspie are currently at the scene which is again being fanned by strong winds, which is pushing the fire toward a forest plantation.
In addition, HIFRS dealt with a bothy fire in Lochailort. Attended by 20 firefighters from Acharacle, Fort William, Strontain and Mallaig, the fire was eventually extinguished just after 2.30 am this morning.
Billy Wilson, Deputy Assistant Chief Fire Officer commended the professionalism, commitment and efforts of all HIFRS staff.
“Many of our firefighters live and work in our communities and respond from their work or home to deliver fire and rescue services in the Highlands and Islands. Their dedication and commitment to doing so is to be commended, particularly when the incidents are arduous and go on for many hours, as has been the case at Cannisby and Killimster”.
“Our control staff and officers have also played a very important role in dealing with these incidents, supporting our retained firefighters to deliver excellent fire and rescue services to our communities in the Highlands and Islands. I am also grateful for the support of Northern Constabulary and the Forestry Commission in dealing with these incidents.”
The recent dry spell has increased the risk of fires starting in rural areas. Members of the public are asked be vigilant and by following these few simple steps we can all help to reduce the chance of a wildfire;
Extinguish cigarettes properly, don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.
Take your rubbish with you, especially glass bottles, which can magnify the sun's rays and start a
fire as well as hurt people and animals.
Avoid open fires in the countryside. Always have them in safe designated areas.
If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Early
detection can prevent it from developing into a large wildfire incident.
Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area and call the Fire & Rescue Service
HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS Fire & Rescue Service have been dealing with a number of mildfire incidents over recent days, the largest of which occurred at Canisbay , a few miles west of John’O Groats .
The fire started just after 4.30pm on Sunday and grew in intensity during the afternoon, fanned by increasing winds. By late evening, the fire had spread to involve approx, 1.5 square kilometeres of, whins and heather . At one point, Northern Constabulary were asked to close a minor road in the area due to the amount of smoke, making visibility difficult.
As darkness fell, and the fire subsided, HIFRS scaled down its resources. It increased the number of appliances and personnel again at 4am approximately, anticipating that the fire would grow again, which it duly did. By 8 am on Monday morning, the fire had largely been extinguished, with firefighters dealing with s few hotspots.
Throughout the fire, the incident was attended by 6 appliances and 35 firefighters, from Wick, Thurso, Lybster, and John O’ Groats.
Whislt still dealing with the incident at Cannisbay, a second large wildfire occurred at approximately 7.15 am at Killimster, near Castletown, Wick. 4 appliances and 25 firefighters, from Dunbeath, Helmsdale, Lybster and Golspie are currently at the scene which is again being fanned by strong winds, which is pushing the fire toward a forest plantation.
In addition, HIFRS dealt with a bothy fire in Lochailort. Attended by 20 firefighters from Acharacle, Fort William, Strontain and Mallaig, the fire was eventually extinguished just after 2.30 am this morning.
Billy Wilson, Deputy Assistant Chief Fire Officer commended the professionalism, commitment and efforts of all HIFRS staff.
“Many of our firefighters live and work in our communities and respond from their work or home to deliver fire and rescue services in the Highlands and Islands. Their dedication and commitment to doing so is to be commended, particularly when the incidents are arduous and go on for many hours, as has been the case at Cannisby and Killimster”.
“Our control staff and officers have also played a very important role in dealing with these incidents, supporting our retained firefighters to deliver excellent fire and rescue services to our communities in the Highlands and Islands. I am also grateful for the support of Northern Constabulary and the Forestry Commission in dealing with these incidents.”
The recent dry spell has increased the risk of fires starting in rural areas. Members of the public are asked be vigilant and by following these few simple steps we can all help to reduce the chance of a wildfire;
Extinguish cigarettes properly, don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.
Take your rubbish with you, especially glass bottles, which can magnify the sun's rays and start a
fire as well as hurt people and animals.
Avoid open fires in the countryside. Always have them in safe designated areas.
If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Early
detection can prevent it from developing into a large wildfire incident.
Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area and call the Fire & Rescue Service