AN extreme wildfire warning has been issued across parts of Scotland this weekend.
The alert was issued by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and is in effect from Friday until Monday.
Communities across the east of Scotland and Shetland are more likely to be at risk of wildfires on Friday.
By Saturday and Sunday, the main areas at risk of wildfires are in and around Moray.
Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and cause devastation to wildlife and land, as well as having knock-on effects for nearby communities.
The SFRS urged people in these areas to avoid the use of naked flames outdoors, including the use of barbecues.
Niall MacLennan, SFRS group commander, said: "We know that people acting responsibly outdoors can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting.
"That's why we're urging people within these areas to absolutely avoid the use of naked flames, including barbecues, at this time.
"It only takes one spark to start a wildfire, and things can get out of hand very, very quickly.
"Discarded cigarettes and unsupervised campfires pose a significant threat, so it's vital to follow all safety advice when outdoors and to make sure you are familiar with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at all times."
The SFRS said that remote and rural communities are most at risk of wildfires.
MacLennan added: "Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant 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.
"These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of air polluting gases into the atmosphere."
An extreme alert was also in place last weekend, as Scotland experienced a heatwave with temperatures reaching as high as 32C.
A wildfire in Perth last Friday raged for two days, with six fire appliances sent to the scene.
