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Cannich wildfire

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Coordinates: 57°19′N 4°46′W / 57.31°N 4.76°W / 57.31; -4.76
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Cannich wildfire
A satellite image taken on 30 May showing smoke from the wildfire.
Date(s)28 May 2023 (2023-05-28)
LocationCannich, Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Coordinates57°19′N 4°46′W / 57.31°N 4.76°W / 57.31; -4.76
Statistics
Burned area6 sq mi (16 km2; 1,600 ha)
Impacts
Deaths0
Non-fatal injuries2
Map
Cannich wildfire is located in Highland
Cannich wildfire
Location of the fire in the Scottish Highlands
Cannich wildfire is located in Scotland
Cannich wildfire
Cannich wildfire (Scotland)

The Cannich wildfire burned for two weeks, starting on 28 May 2023 in the Scottish Highlands, close to the village of Cannich in the Highland council area.[1] No one died, but two firefighters were injured and airlifted to hospital on 30 May when their vehicle overturned at the site;[2] they were both discharged the following day.[3]

Events

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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were alerted of a large fire at 12:46 p.m. on 28 May 2023.[4] On 31 May, a 12 mi (19 km) long plume of smoke from the fire was detected drifting towards Loch Ness from space by NASA.[5] At its height, nine appliances were tackling the fire, as well as a helicopter to water bomb the affected area. A 'very high' wildfire warning covering much of Scotland, which had been in place since 26 May, was extended to 5 June.[6]

The cause of the wildfire is unknown, but the SFRS had launched an investigation into its cause.[4] They also said it had burned through a 30 sq mi (78 km2) area of scrub and woodland, which would make it the largest wildfire in the UK's history.[7] This number was later revised by the fire service to 6 sq mi (16 km2; 1,600 ha).[8]

The fire caused lots of damage to the RSPB Corrimony nature reserve, destroying hundreds of native trees which were planted to regenerate habitats. The charity also said that many ground-nesting birds, including black grouse, had lost chicks or eggs because of the fire. Simon McLaughlin, who works at the reserve, said that fast-moving species such as spiders and lizards had survived, but others, including frogs, had been found dead. RSPB Scotland said it had still to fully assess the impact of the blaze on wildlife.[9]

Amidst soaring forecasted temperatures, another 'very high' wildfire warning was declared by the SFRS from 7 to 10 June. In the announcement on 7 June, the fire service also said that the Cannich wildfire was still ongoing.[10]

Other wildfires

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By 11 June, another wildfire had broken out 30 miles away near Daviot.[11][12] On 15 June a wildfire broke out in Dalshangan Forest near Carsphairn.[13]

References

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  1. ^ Davidson, John (25 June 2023). "Call for public education campaign on fire dangers after Cannich and Daviot blazes". Inverness Courier. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
  2. ^ "Two firefighters injured in crash at Cannich wildfire". BBC News. 30 May 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  3. ^ Ho, Vivian (31 May 2023). "Firefighters tackle Highlands wildfire that may become UK's largest ever". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Wildfire warning extended across Scotland as fire crews enter fourth day at large-scale Highland fire". Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  5. ^ Mitchell, Jenness (31 May 2023). "Smoke from massive wildfire near Cannich in the Scottish Highlands visible from space". Sky News. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  6. ^ Dewar, Caitlyn (31 May 2023). "'Very high' grade wildfire warning extended as firefighters tackle blaze". STV News. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  7. ^ "Cannich wildfire could be largest recorded in UK". BBC News. 30 May 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  8. ^ Cromar, Chris (2 June 2023). "Twice the size of Elgin, more than 2,000 football pitches: Just how big is the Cannich wildfire?". The Press and Journal. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  9. ^ "Cannich wildfire causes extensive damage to Corrimony nature reserve". BBC News. 1 June 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  10. ^ "Outdoor safety important as 'very high' wildfire warning continues for Scotland". Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. 7 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  11. ^ "Wildfire takes hold near caravan park at Daviot in Highlands". BBC News. 10 June 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  12. ^ "PICTURES: People asked to stay indoors due to wildfire near Inverness". Northern Times. 10 June 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  13. ^ "Crews battle Galloway forest blaze as wildfire risk 'extreme'". BBC News. 16 June 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
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