A WILDFIRE warning has been issued for parts of the region, and residents are being urged to exercise caution.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) issued the warning in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF).
The very high danger assessment – which covers parts of Dumfriesshire, Stewartry and Wigtownshire – remains in place until Friday, 21 March. In addition, an extreme danger assessment is in place for Friday, covering all low-lying areas in Scotland.
Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife; and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.
Group commander Murray Dalgleish is a wildfire tactical advisor for the SFRS. He said: “We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.
“Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.
“Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.
“These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”
