The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public to be aware of the risk of wildfires in Scotland this week.

Dry and breezy weather is predicted to continue across the country.

As a result, a warning that wildfires are extremely likely in many parts of Scotland has been extended until Wednesday, July 11.

Firefighters across Scotland have been fighting wildfires for a number of weeks – these fires can burn for days and devastate vast areas of land, wildlife and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.

Wild and grass fires can start by the careless disposal of cigarettes and barbecues or campfires left unattended.

SFRS Area Manager Bruce Farquharson is the Chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum.

He said: "As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire.

“We have seen in recent weeks just how large these fires can become - many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by these incidents, which can cause significant environmental and economic 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.

“We are appealing to people to take great care – it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and follow the countryside code.

"Just one heat source like a campfire ember can cause it to ignite and if the wind changes direction even the smallest fire can spread uncontrollably and devastate entire hillsides."

The SFRS works closely with land managers, communities and other safety partners to prevent these incidents ever occurring.

For further advice and information about wildfires and how to prevent them visit: /your-safety/wildfires.aspx or www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/