Galloway wildfire burns fiercely through Scottish forest as emergency responders rescue trapped residents and campers.
EPICSTORIAN – Scotland wildfire operations intensified Sunday as a fast-moving inferno tore across Galloway Forest, reaching into Loch Doon in East Ayrshire.
Thick smoke and roaring flames, visible from satellite imagery, forced evacuations and prompted air rescues of trapped civilians.
Helicopters race to control Galloway Forest blaze threatening safety
Four helicopters carrying high-capacity water loads were deployed to contain the advancing blaze and assist in locating individuals stranded by fire.
The fire front, spreading over dry terrain, has now covered multiple miles, as responders race to minimize damage.
Campers in isolated areas were caught off guard. Fernanda Marbrow recounted the harrowing hours she endured after losing contact with her two sons, Bruce and Jack, who had gone fishing in the forest.
“At 2.30am, Dumfries police called to say their car had been found in a park,” she posted. “Sudden wildfires were burning out of control. There was no mobile signal. All I could do was direct police to the area ‘pin’ Bruce sent before they left.”
Rescue teams save campers from fire engulfing campsite
Rescue teams, guided by coordinates and aerial surveillance, located and evacuated the boys by helicopter. “The area where their camp stood was engulfed. They lost all their gear, they’re shell-shocked—but they’re safe,” Marbrow said.
In Whithorn, retired navy engineer Ron Baird described another close call. His brother and sister-in-law, staying in Glenhead, were roused in the night by police. “They had no idea flames were at their doorstep,” Baird wrote. “Firefighters were already battling the edge of the property. They had a lucky escape.”
Police Scotland repeated safety notices, urging people to avoid the Galloway region and advising residents nearby to keep windows closed against smoke. People camping nearby were asked to relocate immediately.
Galloway Mountain Rescue members scanned the hills for hikers who may have become trapped. Their aerial searches were essential as several access routes had been cut off by advancing fire lines.
This latest outbreak adds to a string of wildfires reported across Scotland. Since early March, prolonged dry spells have led to similar blazes in Aberdeenshire, Stirlingshire, Inverness-shire, and East Dunbartonshire.
Yesterday, the A835 near Ullapool in Ross-shire was temporarily closed after flames erupted around 10am. Firefighters from six Highland crews responded to a firefront estimated to stretch over three miles.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Group Commander Garry Douglas stressed the importance of caution. “Early spring leaves wide stretches of dead, dry vegetation. That’s fuel for wildfire,” he said. “We now have vast areas that are tinder-dry, providing all the ingredients for flames to take hold and spread rapidly.”
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Dry weather continues to challenge firefighting efforts. The Met Office released new satellite imagery Saturday showing the extent of the Galloway blaze.
Forecaster Greg Dewhurst projected continued dryness into the week. “It’s dry and sunny for the next few days,” he said. “By Friday, there’s potential for light rain, but until then we expect 20 to 21°C and only light wind shifts.”
