THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is issuing a warning that over the weekend fires could ignite and spread easily with the forecast of warm temperatures and strong winds.

The warning applies from Friday 22 April and lasts until Monday 25 April.

The areas issued with “extreme” warnings are North, Central and West Scotland between Friday April 22 and Sunday April 24.

However, West Scotland’s extreme warning is to last until Monday April 25.

The National: Source: Scottish Fire and Rescue ServiceSource: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Group commander Keith Langley, who is one of SFRS' wildfire tactical advisors, is urging the public to take the utmost care in the countryside.

He said: "The key issues over the next few days are sunshine, warm air temperatures, low humidity and moderate to strong winds.

“Dead grass, leaves, twigs and heather on the ground will dry quite quickly in these conditions and when ignited can burn very fast with extreme fire intensity.

"Please exercise caution outdoors to avoid fires breaking out and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame."

Wildfire danger assessments are made on behalf of the Scottish Wildfire Forum. They are done on a broad area basis.