Culbin Forest firefighters working ‘long hours’ to keep blaze in Moray under control

Firefighters have told of working “long hours” in “extreme heat” to bring a blaze that has been burning for more than 48 hours under control.

The Culbin Forest fire began on Monday morning before 9am, with six fire appliances - including a helicopter dropping water - called to the scene.

At present, two crews continue to tackle the “pockets of fire” - with the blaze having been burning for more than two days.

Fochabers Fire Station is one of many across Moray, Aberdeenshire and the Highlands involved with the effort.

They shared photographs and an update on their social media page.

“The crew have been really busy over the last two days,” the post said.

“Conditions with the weather have made firefighting extremely hard.

“The extreme heat has also been a challenge and they have worked long hours on top of their own day-to-day work to bring this large fire hopefully under control.

“They all did a great job.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s most recent update was at 11am. It states: “Two appliances remain in Culbin Forest, Forres, as firefighters continue to tackle pockets of fire.

“As a precaution, the public is asked to avoid the area and those who live nearby are advised to close windows and doors due to the smoke in the vicinity.”