More than 40 firefighters battled to save Tentsmuir Forest as a blaze tore through the Fife beauty spot.
Nine crews from across the region fought to contain Thursday’s deep-seated fire in an area of more than 300m by 200m after the heatwave has turned the forest tinderbox dry.
A specialist forestry firefighting 4×4 vehicle and a control unit were also drafted in by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, which was being aided by Forestry Commission officers. A helicopter was also called in, but was stood down before arrival.
Efforts to tackle the blaze were being hampered by rough terrain and the remote location for firefighters on the ground, who were also creating fire breaks.
The exact cause of the blaze was not known.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is currently dealing with a large fire in the Tentsmuir Forest area.Photo gallery: Tentsmuir Forest fire“This is a very large area with many access points, which attracts a large number of walkers, cyclists and others.”
Four fire appliances were called to the reserve shortly after 1.30pm.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Thornton control room received several calls reporting smoke over the woodland.
Reserve warden Tom Cunningham said the blaze was threatening the young plantation.
As well as being a popular spot for picnics and walkers, the woodland provides an important habitat for a range of wildlife, including red squirrels and roe deer.
There were no reports of any casualties.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service principal officer Neil McFarlane, who was in charge of the incident, urged people to remain vigilant during the current dry conditions to prevent similar blazes.
A spokesman said: “The advice to people is to extinguish cigarettes properly and never to throw them on the ground or out of car windows.
“They should also avoid making open fires in the countryside and never leave bottles in woodland as sunlight passing through glass can start fires.”