FIREFIGHTERS are on high alert as the ongoing UK heatwave hampers attempts to tackle blazes in West Lothian and England.
Scottish troops were part of wider army efforts to battle “apocalyptic” wildfires on the Pennine moors, with a “significant improvement” since the soldiers began their work.
The members of the 100-strong A Company of the 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, known as the Highlanders, are supporting more than 100 firefighters who have been battling the blaze since Sunday.
Seven square miles of Saddleworth Moor has gone up in flames, blanketing the Greater Manchester region and beyond in smoke and ash.
Tony Hunter, assistant chief fire officer of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), said there had been “significant improvements” in managing the wildfires.
He added: “I would put an air of caution there though, we had a similar occasion yesterday where we thought we were on top of it and it flared up.”
Major Phil Morgan, commanding the Army detachment, said: “We meet every challenge and commit 100% in what we do.
“Currently we have broken our boys down into various locations and we are beating the fire with paddles and we are supporting them by moving equipment, we are putting water on the fires and we are doing everything we can to stop this fire at the moment.
“We are truly really happy and excited to be here and the boys are cherishing every moment of it.”
Hunter cautioned that while the fire was now “contained and under control” he said “things can develop” and if the wind blows the flames back on to the moors it will act as a “fuel source” for the fire.
He said the operation could last for weeks before the fire burns itself out, though the Army deployment is for an initial 48 hours.
Hunter said a good downpour of rain was needed to saturate the dry ground and vegetation – but none is forecast for days as the heatwave continues.
Meanwhile, a wildfire warning has been put in place for the weekend as firefighters battle a blaze in woods near Bathgate.
More than 50 firefighters are working at the scene by Falla Hill Place in Fauldhouse, West Lothian, to extinguish pockets of the fire, which took hold in trees and dry vegetation.
Crews were first called at around 5pm on Wednesday, with the fire covering a 200m area.
Bruce Farquharson, chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum, said: “Grass and wildfires are a common risk at this time of year when warmer weather dries out vegetation – especially dead winter foliage – which offers an ample fuel source.
“Just one heat source can cause it to ignite and if the wind changes direction, even the smallest fire can spread uncontrollably and devastate entire hillsides.
“A great many people will be enjoying the outdoors in the good weather this weekend, we urge everyone to make sure that they don’t increase the chance of wildfire – be aware of the risks and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”
No injuries have been reported at the fire.
Group manager Mark Bryce said: “The fire has not spread any further but it has taken hold within trees and heavy vegetation and the terrain out here is proving difficult and challenging.”
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