### Evacuations as Wildfire Spreads North Through Forest
A wildfire has prompted the evacuation of both people and properties in the Galloway region, situated in the southwest of Scotland. On Friday night, the blaze began in the Glen Trool area, stretching rapidly across a significant portion of nearby forested land. Emergency services were alerted around 23:50, and by Sunday morning, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) reported that two crews remained engaged in firefighting efforts. Helicopters have also been deployed to perform water bombing, aiming to control the spread of the fire.
The growing threat of wildfires has seen warnings issued across numerous regions in the UK, particularly due to the rising temperatures, which have raised concerns about fire hazards.
### Fire ‘Miles Wide’
According to a spokesperson from the SFRS, the fire, which has since moved towards the Bennan and Lamachan Hills, presents a significant risk as it could spread towards the Loch Doon area in East Ayrshire, particularly with changing wind directions.
On the morning of April 6, a helicopter was dispatched to survey the damage from an aerial perspective. This proactive measure was taken to assess the situation better and guide firefighting efforts. Local reports indicate that the fire front reached widths of “two to three miles” at times, leading to considerable concern among authorities regarding forest and wildlife safety.
Stewart Gibson, team leader at Galloway Mountain Rescue, commented on the situation, mentioning that multiple helicopters were in operation to combat the flames from above. Emergency services were actively involved in locating hikers who might have ventured out during this hazardous period. Fortunately, five groups of walkers were safely accounted for and escorted away from the imminent danger presented by the fire.
### Public Safety Urgent Warning
In light of the conditions and heightened risks, Gibson urged the public to exercise caution when visiting the hills, especially discouraging them from lighting campfires or using any form of naked flames. The extreme dry weather of recent weeks, combined with the forecast for continued dry conditions, heightens the risk of further incidents. He made clear the dangers associated with outdoor cooking equipment which can inadvertently spark fires in such tinderbox conditions.
“We advise against the use of campfires and any open flames,” Gibson emphasized during an interview on BBC Radio’s *The Sunday Show*. He noted that the dry vegetation prevalent in this part of the year can rapidly fuel wildfires if ignited.
### Areas of Impact and Fire Safety Measures
Local authorities have strongly advised anyone in the vicinity to steer clear of affected areas, including popular tourist destinations like Merrick Hill, Ben Yellary, and Loch Dee. Earlier in the week, another wildfire incident was recorded nearby, which presented a similar risk covering approximately 1.5 miles.
In response to the ongoing incidents, the Fire Service has issued an “extreme” warning regarding the potential start of wildfires. The public has been urged to refrain from lighting any outdoor flames, particularly as the situation continues to evolve with warmer weather. SFRS officials highlighted the vulnerability of hilly terrain where fires can spread more rapidly, exacerbating the risks to both the environment and community.
### Additional Regional Alerts
In related news, an amber alert for wildfires has been activated across parts of England, southern Scotland, and Northern Ireland, remaining effective until Monday. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service is currently battling a significant gorse fire, which spans about two miles in the Mourne Mountains, with police investigating potential deliberate ignition.
The combination of climate conditions, increased heat, and dry terrain presents a formidable challenge for firefighting operations. Community awareness and adherence to safety protocols are paramount in mitigating the risks and impacts of wildfires across the UK.