Raging Highlands wildfire ignites overnight

Firefighters are tackling an enormous wildfire that ignited shortly after midnight last night in the far North of Scotland.

The fire is currently raging at a tree plantation on Beinn Bhraggie, west of the village of Golspie in the Highlands.

A couple of other photos if last nights wildfire shout. Incident still ongoing. Please take care when out enjoying the good weather and our beautiful scenery #notowildfires #wearesfrs pic.twitter.com/MAOhNDzZPh

— Balintore Fire Station (@Balintore_Fire) July 7, 2018

Images and footage posted online show flames engulfing electricity pylons and large amounts of smoke billowing towards houses below.

Over 20 firefighters were called to the scene, and six appliances remain to tackle the fire.

It’s understood there have been no fatalities or injuries as a result of the blaze.

Balintore Fire Crew were the first to the scene, deploying 24 firefighters.

Invergordon Fire Brigade is also on call to provide more assistance.

Locals and onlookers have taken to Twitter, estimating the smoke is currently rising over 1500m into the sky.

Fire ? at Golspie – Ben Bhraggie is just under 400m so by my estimate that the smoke is reaching some 1500m pic.twitter.com/3aFbubl6Yd

— Dave Tanner (@TarbatNess99) July 7, 2018

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland can confirm that they are working with colleagues from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and local estate staff to control a wildfire at Ben Bhraggie near to the Duke of Sutherland monument.

“Members of the public are requested to avoid the area until further notice.”