Fire near homes in Coldstream believed to have been started maliciously
Coldstream Community Fire Station is reminding the public not to discard cigarettes or light camp fires when out in the countryside.
It comes after crews were called out to a small blaze in the Hirsel Woods shortly before 6pm last night (Wednesday).
Officers say it was thanks to a member of the public alerting them to the fire which allowed them to contain it before it could spread and threaten nearby homes.
The fire is believed to have been started maliciously and, due to dry conditions and wind, quickly spread through grass, cut timber and standing trees.
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A spokesperson said: "Thanks to a member of the public spotting the fire early and calling the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, the fire was contained before it spread to the rest of plantation and threatened nearby homes.
"Please take extra care when out in the countryside. Do not discard cigarettes or glass bottles, and do not light camp fires. The undergrowth is extremely dry and fires can spread very quickly.
"Even fires that appear out can continue burning under the ground and re-ignite on the surface days after.
"If you see signs of fire or smoke or burnt areas of undergrowth that look extinguished, please report it to the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service as soon as possible, to protect our countryside, woodland and wildlife from fire."
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