January 2003

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MUIRBURNING - Highlands And Islands Fire Brigade 20 February 03
Since Monday 17th February 2003 the Brigade has attended 97 incidents involving 271 separate appliance mobilisations from 60 different stations. 39 of these incidents were countryside fires and 24 of these appear to have started as muirburning that got out of control. 3 further incidents involved damage to buildings resulting from muirburning out of control.

Firemaster Brian Murray has repeated his earlier calls for crofters and estates to fully implement the Muirburning Code and to ensure that enough personnel are in attendance to control fires and that burning is not attempted in high wind conditions.

Firemaster Murray commented:
�This level of service could not have been achieved without the commitment of our community based fire teams. Crews from communities as diverse as the City of Inverness and Uig in Skye have been fighting fires shoulder to shoulder.

Currently a major fire raging over 5000 acres of Applecross is being brought under control. It would appear that controlled burning escaped from estate workers at 13.30 hrs. on Tuesday 18th February 2003 and since then relays of firefighters from nine stations - Applecross, Lochcarron, Uig, Kyle, Inverness, Kyleakin, Broadford, Beauly and Invergordon - supported by some estate workers and helicopters hired by the landowner have fought to prevent the blaze spreading to houses and forestry in the area.�

Councillor Drew MacFarlane � Slack, Convenor of the Highland and Islands Fire Board commented:
�The communities of the Highlands and Islands are extremely well served by their firefighters. It is truly a service for the community by the community.

However, these fires are not only having an impact on the costs of the Board but on the whole economic structure of communities. The majority of our staff are not full time firefighters, others either employ them or are self-employed business people. When they are fighting fires their normal employment may suffer economic loss. People intending to muirburn to improve their economic needs must consider the cost of their errors on other parts of the area�s economy and show due consideration and care.

The Brigade has worked with partners in land management to publicise the Muirburning Code. If the analysis of these incidents reveals that people are being negligent in their muirburning I shall draw the issue to the attention of the Board and seek to ensure that appropriate action is taken by enforcing authorities.

The current level of activity clearly shows the importance of having a properly funded, equipped and trained service in the Highlands and Islands. The Board recognises that our firefighters would not be able to function without the understanding of their families and employers and on behalf of the Board again express our thanks to all who support their efforts.�

For further information contact 01463 240999

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