A warning has been issued to the public as a huge forest fire continued to smoulder in west Fife.
Almost 50 firefighters battled the blaze at Devilla Forest at its height on Monday, and crews from Fife and Falkirk were continuing to douse hot spots on Tuesday afternoon.
The cause of the fire has yet to be established but people have been advised against setting campfires and using disposable barbecues and urged to take care with cigarettes during the prolonged dry weather.
Forest Enterprise Scotland, which manages the woodland, a haven for red squirrels, said the full extent of damage would only be known once the fire was completely out.
A spokesman said: “Although we do not know the cause of the fire, we’d like to remind the public to be extra careful during this hot and dry spell of weather.
“We would recommend against any camp fires or using disposable BBQs and ensure all cigarettes are extinguished very carefully.”
He added: “We’ve been working hard to support the fire service who have been doing a fantastic job.”
He said the blaze had been confined within a 20-hectare block of plantation forestry.
“This area is surrounded by forest roads so we are confident that the fire can be contained within this location,” he said.
“The fire service has around four pumps in operation to help dampen down the fire and try to stop hot spots from flaring up again.
“There’s no threat to life or property and we will be in a better position to know the full extent of the damage only once the fire is completely out.”
Six appliances were sent to the scene when the alarm was raised at around 2pm on Monday.
As light faded, firefighters kept a watching brief overnight and on Tuesday crews continued to tackle deep-seated smouldering hot spots.
The Scots pine forest, just off the A985 Kincardine to Dunfermline road, is popular with walkers and has a red squirrel trail.
Nearby residents were advised to keep windows shut due to the smoke.
On Tuesday afternoon a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “We still have four pumps in attendance.
“They are continuing to fight the hot spots using main jets and hose reels.”
