Idiots who left a burning campfire in a Scots forest have been blasted as 'utterly irresponsible'.
Local dog walkers were shocked as they took their pets for a stroll to see smoke rising from Carnie Woods in Westhill, Aberdeenshire yesterday.
On looking closer they saw a huge fire had been left unattended and burning in the woodland- which is well known for its population of red squirrels and other wildlife.
In a post on social media, the walkers said they extinguished the flames but hit out at the danger of leaving fires.
The post on community Facebook page Fubar News read: "Totally and utterly irresponsible!
"Carnie woods has a large centralised and isolated population of red squirrels.
"Fire left fully lit at Carnie Woods, Westhill. We were walking with the dog and saw the smoke.
"We dismantled the fire and will check on the way back to ensure fully out.
"Everything around the fire was bone dry. luckily it has started to rain, Not really the point though.
"Pretty 100% sure we passed the group on their way out the woods, kids and adults."
Shocked locals have hit out online- saying that the blaze could have caused a major disaster.
Sam Barbour wrote: "The size of it! An unmonitored fire like that could’ve burnt the whole forest down.
"Not to mention the effect on our local wildlife, some people have no respect for the great outdoors."
Lorraine Bennett wrote: "This is so sad. There are lots of responsible people who do wild camping and light fires with respect and make sure they are fully out before they leave.
"This irresponsible behaviour tars everyone with the same brush. So glad that someone came along and put it out."
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