FIREFIGHTERS are battling a major wildfire at a famous Scottish landmark.
Flames can be seen from the top of Arthur’s Seat in the capital.
Pako MeraThe fire could be seen overhead as kids played football[/caption]
Alan SimpsonPlumes of smoke could be seen for miles[/caption]
Smoke from the blaze, which started around 4pm, was seen billowing into the air well into the evening.
And many have said it can be seen from as far away as Fife.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed that there are currently four appliances at the scene.
Firefighters are currently battling to extinguish the flames alongside specialist resources.
Snaps shared on social media show fire engines arriving at the scene and firefighters making their way up the ancient extinct volcano.
Huge orange flames could be seen rising from the ground as the plumes of grey filled the sky at an alarming rate.
One eyewitness, who was on the hill, said: “It was crazy how fast the fire was spreading.
“It started with just a small area, and within minutes it was huge.
“It is really windy up at the top, so that will be making it spread faster.”
There have been no reported casualties as a result of the fire so far.
A SFRS spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 4.05pm on Sunday, 10 August, to reports of a fire in the open at Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh.
“Operations Control mobilised four fire appliances and specialist resources to the area where firefighters are working to extinguish a fire affecting a large area of gorse.
“There are no reported casualties at this time and crews remain at the scene.”
The fire service also urged locals not to alert crews about the open fire and said they are already “receiving a number of calls”.
The post read: “Crews are in attendance at a fire in the open at Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh.
Six common causes of wildfires
UNATTENDED FLAMES – Includes BBQs, campfires and bonfires left unattended or not extinguished. A small spark can ignite dry leaves leading to a fire.
GLASS BOTTLES – Sunlight shining through a bottle can act like a magnifying glass, focusing heat and igniting dry materials nearby.
HOT & DRY WEATHER – Prolonged periods of hot, dry weather create a tinderbox environment, where even a small spark can easily ignite a wildfire.
DROPPED CIGARETTE – Even a seemingly extinguished cigarette can reignite and spark a fire in dry conditions.
COLD, DRY AND SUNNY WEATHER – Believe it or not, cold, dry days with strong sun can be risky. The combination of low humidity and strong winds can quickly dry out vegetation and fuel wildfires.
CONTROLLED BURNS GONE WRONG – Planned burns are sometimes used to manage land, but they can spiral out of control if not done properly.
“Members of the public no longer need to alert our Operations Control room about this fire, as we are receiving a number of calls to this incident.”
Worried locals have flocked to the comments to share their concern about the huge wildfire.
One person said: “I saw the fire from my kitchen window just as it looked to be starting, the fire spread really fast. To the firefighters – stay safe guys”.
Another added: “Stay safe, everyone”.
Someone else wrote: “So many fires this year…”
While a fourth chimed in: “Could see it from the Ochil”.
And a fifth posted: “Stay safe!”
TERRACE TRAILSThe blaze could be seen in the distance from Hibs’ stadium[/caption]
arch whiteThe fire can be seen for miles[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
