Ayrshire has been revealed as Scotland’s wildfire hot spot.
Freak weather has resulted in a rise in forest fires as dry conditions and high winds cause problems for fire crews.
And it has been revealed that the number of wildfires recorded in Scotland has quadrupled since 2017.
Between June and August last year, 2,329 grass and woodland fires were recorded across the country.
That was a rise on the 624 recorded over the same period in the previous year.
And Scottish Fire and Rescue Service figures show that the highest number of fires were recorded in the East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire and North Ayrshire region, with 293 blazes alone.
Already this year, there have been a series of major wildfires.
Crews battled a blazing wildfire near Loch Doon at Dalmellington in April.
They battled the spread of flames for over two days with at least five miles of hillside affected.
Now the fire service, working with Police Scotland, have launched a StampItOut summer safety campaign targeting people who deliberately start fires.
There was also a rise in the number of deliberate fires involving property, dumped rubbish and grass.
Fire and Rescue assistant chief officer Ross Haggart said: “These incidents put lives, property and the environment at risk. They can also delay firefighters in getting to a real emergency such as a house fire where every minute counts.
“Firefighters will be there to respond when called upon, but please think twice before deliberately starting a fire.”
On the rise in the number of wildfires, Mr Haggart added: “We have seen already this year the massive impact a large fire in the open can have.
“Huge swathes of land can be left ravaged by these fires, which can spread easily through high winds.
“We work tirelessly every year with our partners to help keep communities safe from these types of incidents.
“But communities can help us too. That’s why 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.”
