FIFERS are being warned of an extreme wildfire risk this weekend.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued an extreme warning – in place from Friday until Sunday – that fires could ignite and spread easily with warm temperatures and strong winds forecast in North, Central and West Scotland.

Group Commander Keith Langley, who is one of SFRS' Wildfire Tactical Advisors, is urging the public to take the utmost care in the countryside.

He said: "The key issues over the next few days are sunshine, warm air temperatures, low humidity and moderate to strong winds.

“Dead grass, leaves, twigs and heather on the ground will dry quite quickly in these conditions and when ignited can burn very fast with extreme fire intensity.

"Please exercise caution outdoors to avoid fires breaking out and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame."

Wildfire danger assessments are made on behalf of the Scottish Wildfire Forum. They are done on a broad area basis.