Firefighters Maintain Presence at Arthur's Seat Blaze
Firefighters remain at the scene of a fire on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, a day after the blaze began.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed that, as of 15:00 on Tuesday, two fire engines are still present to dampen down the affected area.
At the peak of the incident, three teams and specialist wildfire resources were deployed to tackle the fire.
SFRS group commander Des Donnelly advised that there is currently a warning in place for residents to keep windows and doors closed if they are affected by smoke.
Fire Mobilisation and Response
Firefighters were mobilised to the fire on Arthur's Seat at 18:50 on Monday.
Commander Donnelly told BBC Scotland News that several areas of fire were identified, but there have been no reports of casualties.
Fire crews have been working with backpacks and beaters to extinguish multiple origin points of fire in an inaccessible area of the popular beauty spot.
Investigation and Public Safety Advice
The cause of the fire remains unknown. The SFRS stated it will collaborate with Police Scotland to determine a likely cause.
"We urge the public to stay away until the area is made safe and the fire has been extinguished," said Donnelly.
"In terms of prevention, I want to remind the public about the risks of outdoor fires and how to prevent them.
Always fully extinguish cigarettes and dispose of them safely, don't leave litter, take it home with you and dispose of it responsibly."
Concerns Over Fire Station Closure
Meanwhile, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned that the SFRS is considering a proposal to close Marionville fire station, which is the nearest station to the wildfire.
"The station which serves some of the city's most important cultural buildings and locations, shopping and entertainment centres, as well as densely populated residential areas," said John McKenzie, the regional secretary of the FBU in Scotland.
"Scottish government ministers should look out of their comfortable offices in Holyrood and see for themselves the risk to communities if they continue to fail to provide the financial resources the SFRS needs."
The Scottish government has been approached for comment regarding the situation.
