Culbin Forest should recover from a six day wildfire according to Forestry and Land Scotland

A recent six-day wildfire in a popular local wood was caused by campers - the forestry commission has confirmed.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) initially attended a fire in the Culbin on the evening of Sunday, May 18 but returned the next day when a member of the public reported more smoke from a blaze that lasted until Friday, May 23.

Forestry and Land Scotland’s east region manager, Doug Harvey, pointed out that some wildfires are accidents and some the result of carelessness while others are deliberate.

He said: “The Culbin incident was the result of a campfire that had either got out of control or had not been properly doused when abandoned.

“We would remind everyone that when the weather is hot and dry to not light campfires at all.”

The SFRS confirmed that they were alerted to reports of a fire in the open forest at 8.37am on Monday, May 19.

Firefighters from six appliances eventually extinguished the fire covering around 2500 x 2500 metres. The crews were supported by a helicopter dropping water on the affected area.

They left on Friday, May 23 , re-attending on Sunday, May 25 to ensure the area was safe.

“It will take some time before the damage begins to repair,” said Mr Harvey. “A return to normality could be a matter of weeks, months or even years.”

He added: “Thankfully, wildlife is extremely adept at getting out of the way of fire.”

Wildfires at Culbin have become a near annual occurrence as global warming means warmer winters and drier springs.

However, before this incident, there had been no reports of wildfires in Culbin this year. The recent flare-up came during winds at the end of more than a month without rain.

“In the main, visitors act responsibly and heed fire safety advice,” said Mr Harvey.

“Camp fires are not allowed in our forests but we would also urge visitors to not make use of naked flames and to not use disposable barbecues.

“We would remind everyone to use common sense: if it’s hot and dry don’t do anything that would give fire a chance to take hold.”

Anyone seeing a fire should dial 999.

For more information visit https://forestryandland.gov.scot/